Transdniester Leader Calls For More Russian Troops
March 21, 2006
Igor Smirnov (file photo) (AFP)
Igor Smirnov said in a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin that a new customs agreement between Moldova and Ukraine was blocking his region's trade.
Smirnov said that rising tensions with Moldovan authorities over the new rules were threatening to trigger a "humanitarian catastrophe, with growing tensions which could lead to direct confrontations."
He called on Russia, which already has 1,500 troops in the region, to reinforce its military presence in Transdniester.
Ukraine began to implement new customs regulations on March 3 with Moldova, which means that all exports from Transdniester have to be certified by Moldovan authorities.
Ukraine, Moldova, and the European Union said the measures are aimed at curbing rampant smuggling.
(AP)