There are many differences between the situation from the Caucasus and the situation from Moldova, said the Russian ambassador to Chisinau, Valery Kuzmin on August 26. He has expressed hope “the leaders will use their wisdom in order that these differences do not allow for a situation similar with one from South Ossetia.” “I’m pleased to find that there is no intention to escalate the situation on the security zone and I think there should not be any,” Kuzmin said. Any military escalation drives away the settlement of the conflict in the interest of the people on the Nistru’s both banks and should be understood by all the responsible politicians, according to the Russian ambassador. He says what happened in Ossetia was because of the irresponsibility of the Tbilisi leadership and has stated the Georgian leader, Mikheil Saakashvili should be punished according to international law. Asked about Russia’s position on changing the format of the peace-keeping forces, he has said Moscow has repeatedly stated the format can changed in the process of politically settling the Transnistrian conflict, but for the moment one finds this is the only effective peace-keeping mission. “First, it should be solved at the same time with the Transnistrian settlement.” Referring to Russia’s position on solving the Transnistrian conflict, Kuzmin has stated it will activate its position in terms of resuming the negotiating process and will contribute to the resumption of the contacts between the leaders of Moldova and Transnistria. Russian president Dmitry Medvedev announced Tuesday Russia recognized the independence of the two breakaway territories from Georgia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Most of the Western states criticize Russia’s decision.