The Reintegration Office said it took notice of the so-called decree of the Transnistrian leader Yevgheny Shevchuk to apply the results of the ‘national referendum of September 17, 2006’ on Transnistria’s independence and ensuing joining of the Russian Federation. The Moldovan authorities describe the decree as null given that it was issued by an unrecognized authority, based on a referendum held illegally on a part of Moldova’s territory, IPN reports.

The Reintegration Office issued a statement whereby it expresses its regret and profound disappointment at the fact that the given act undermines the efforts of the constitutional authorities and international partners involved in the Transition conflict settlement talks in the 5+2 format, which are designed to identify a viable solution to the Transnistrian dispute, by observing the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova and agreeing a special legal status for the Transnistrian region. “Such defiant and blamable behavior deserves to be criticized following the recent resumption of the Transnistrian conflict settlement talks and given the necessity of solving the pressing problems faced by the population from both sides of the Nistru,” says the statement.

In this connection, the Moldovan authorities request the international players involved in the conflict settlement process to take attitude to the document issued by the Transnistrian leader in order to avoid a deviance in the negotiation process and the appearance of new tensions in this part of Europe.

On September 7, Yevgheny Shevchuk signed a decree by which he asks to implement the results of the referendum of 2006, when most of those who took part in it voted for the declaration of the Transnistrian region’s independence and for its subsequent merger with the Russian Federation. The document also envisions the adjustment of Transnistria’s legislation to the Russian one.