Transnistria continues to count on Russia's, South Ossetia's and Abkhazia's support in obtaining independence, Igor Smirnov

”In the jubilee year 2010, Transnistria will continue its efforts to obtain the recognition of its independence and counts on Russia's, South Ossetia's and Abkhazia's support in this,” the Transnistrian leader Igor Smirnov said in a news conference on February 17, Info-Prim Neo's correspondent in Tiraspol reports. Smirnov said during his recent visit to Moscow, the Russian authorities reiterated that the relations between Chisinau and Tiraspol should be based on principles of equality and on the agreements reached earlier, including the one signed by the three heads of state in Moscow on March 18, 2009. As to the relations between Transnistria and Russia, Igor Smirnov said they will continue to work in concert in all the areas, in accordance with the plan approved during the recent visit. The Transnistrian leader also said he hopes the support of the compatriots settled in Transnistria will be a political priority for the new Ukrainian authorities, as this is for Russia. Igor Smirnov stressed the establishment of close and constructive relations with Ukraine is a key task for this political year.