Transnistrian leader Yevgeny Shevchuk has instructed relevant de facto authorities to facilitate 'border crossing' and 'customs' procedures on 31 December 2013 as well as on 1, 6 and 7 January 2013, the agency Novy Region 2 reported. The decision was adopted in order to cope with the increased numbers of people entering the region on New Year and Christmas. “Traditionally during these holidays, Transnistria is visited by large numbers of guests, and citizens who are abroad return home. Such an ordinance was needed in order to create favorable conditions for border crossing”, Shevchuk's press service said.