OSCE Will Not Recognize Trandniestrian Referendum

The leader of Transdniester, Igor Smirnov, casts his vote during parliamentary elections in December 2005 (AFP)

July 21, 2006 -- The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) said today that it will not recognize the results of a referendum planned for September 17 in Moldova's separatist Transdniester region.

The referendum is intended to confirm the independence of the region, which broke away from Moldova 16 years ago.

The OSCE has been mediating talks between Moldovan authorities and separatist leaders.

(Reuters)