By the initiative to collect signatures in favor of recognizing the independence of the Transnistrian region at international level, Tiraspol is trying to destabilize the situation at a time when the constitutional authorities want peace and stability, said Leonid Litra, senior researcher at the Kiev Institute of World Policy. Transnistrian issue expert Eduard Tugui has told IPN that after these signatures are collected, they will most probably be submitted to the President of Russia Vladimir Putin.

“That status quo of the Transaction region is fading away. The conflict in Ukraine accelerated this process and we see that Tiraspol is on the offensive against Chisinau. We can mention the pressure exerted on the Latin-script schools in Transnistria and the collection of these signatures. This act is possibly aimed at making known the region’s intention to become part of Russia,” stated Leonid Litra.

He added that these signatures cannot represent a legal basis for recognizing the independence of the region. There are norms and standards in the world. “For example, the referendum in Scotland has been prepared for many years, with the consent of the UK. At the same time, Catalonia in Spain also has intentions, but can do nothing without the consent of the central authorities,” said Leonid Litra, adding that Tiraspol aims to escalate the situation and its actions are probably directed by Russia as there is certain synchronization between the statements made in Moscow and the actions taken in the region.

Eduard Tugui considers that the signatures are collected with only one goal and it is important where they will get to. “They will certainly get to the Russian head of state. It is a renewal of the option of September 2006, when 97% of the region’s population voted for independence from Moldova and for joining Russia,” he stated.

Given the recent events in Ukraine and Tiraspol’s requests to recognize the region, the expert believes that these signatures will serve as an additional argument for the Russian president, but the decisions will be taken by the Kremlin. Chisinau must act until the international community considers Transnistria a part of Moldova. But the mechanisms or instruments for normalizing the situation are limited.

On April 23, a number of points were set up in Transnistrian settlements for collecting signatures in favor of recognizing Transnistria’s independence from Moldova. Tiraspol didn’t say what they intend to do with the collected signatures.