Moscow, 17 November 2003 (RFE/RL) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin today said Moscow has presented a plan for settling Moldova's decade-old conflict with its breakaway republic of Transdniester. Putin told a Russian cabinet meeting that the plan reflects the views of both the Moldovan leadership and separatists in the Russian-speaking separatist province.
Kremlin aide Dmitrii Kozak said the plan envisaged making Moldova a federation and giving broad autonomy to Transdniester and Gagauz, a southern province of mainly ethnic Turks.
Kozak said the plan, if approved by both sides, could serve as a basis for a new Moldovan constitution to be put to a referendum next year. There was no immediate reaction from Moldova.
Transdniester seceded from Moldova after the breakup of the Soviet Union, triggering a short but bloody separatist conflict.
Hundreds of Russian troops remain stationed in Transdniester.
Kremlin aide Dmitrii Kozak said the plan envisaged making Moldova a federation and giving broad autonomy to Transdniester and Gagauz, a southern province of mainly ethnic Turks.
Kozak said the plan, if approved by both sides, could serve as a basis for a new Moldovan constitution to be put to a referendum next year. There was no immediate reaction from Moldova.
Transdniester seceded from Moldova after the breakup of the Soviet Union, triggering a short but bloody separatist conflict.
Hundreds of Russian troops remain stationed in Transdniester.