Igor Smirnov says he does not share politicians’ optimism about Vladimir Voronin’s recent initiatives

The Republic of Moldova must change its attitude towards Transnistria, negotiate with it on equal terms and treat it as a state, the leader of the breakaway region of Transnistria Igor Smirnov told a news conference. Smirnov made the statements after holding meetings with Russian officials in Moscow, including the Deputy Secretary of Russia’s Security Council Yuri Zubakov. Speaking about the resumption of the talks, Igor Smirnov said that the process will resume only after Moldova renounces all the forms of pressure on Transnistria and its population. Smirnov said that he does not share politicians’ optimism about the recent initiatives put forward by President of Moldova Vladimir Voronin. He added that these initiatives do not belong to Voronin. The separatist leader stated that in Moscow they discussed the possibility of Russia offering long-term assistance, for 10-15 years to Transnistria to help it cover the deficit in the agricultural sector.