Moldovan PM: Crimea Crisis Reminiscent Of Transdniester

Moldovan Prime Minsiter Iurie Leanca (file photo)

CHISINAU -- Moldovan Prime Minister Iurie Leanca says tensions between pro-Russian Crimeans and pro-European Ukrainians are reminiscent to Moldovans of their own separatist conflict involving Transdniester.

Speaking to RFE/RL in an exclusive interview, Leanca said Moldova hoped Ukraine will be able to preserve its territorial integrity.

"What is happening in Ukraine shows that if a country does not react immediately to the danger [of separatism] -- if you don't tackle at home -- it spreads to the whole region," Leanca said.

Moscow-backed Transdniester unilaterally declared independence from Moldova in 1990. The two sides fought a short war in 1992.

Transdniester's independence has never been recognized by any other country.

OSCE-mediated negotiations to solve the conflict have been largely ineffective.