Transnistria’s separatist leader appoints Cabinet

The separatist leader in Tiraspol Igor Smirnov has appointed a number of ministers and local officials. In compliance with the decree of the unrecognised leader, Stanislav Hajeev was appointed as Defence minister; Vladimir Antiufeev as minister of state security; Vadim Crasnoselskii as interior minister; Galina Urskaia as minister of Justice. Smirnov’s son, Vladimir Smirnov, was reconfirmed as head of the state customs committee. Smirnov has also assigned local administrators, his counsellors etc. At present, the separatist leader is concurrently serving as prime minister. Smirnov is believed to name soon a prime minister as well. Smirnov is holding the office of “president” of Transnistria since 1990, being reappointed to this position in December 2006 for the fourth time. Neither Smirnov’s presidency, nor the presidential elections are recognised at international level.