Breakaway Moldovan Region Adopts Russian Laws

De facto Transdniester leader Yevgeny Shevchuk

Moldova's breakaway Transdniester region has adopted a law adopting Russian legislation for the region.

Transdniester's de facto leader Yevgeny Shevchuk said on December 26 that "the transition to Russian legislation is Transdniester's sovereign right based on the wish of its people."

The region's legislature adopted the measure on Wednesday. Shevchuk said the measure was necessary after Chisinau initialed an Association Agreement with the European Union in November.

He said "Transdniester's priority is integration into the Eurasian space," meaning the Russia-led Customs Union.

Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister Eugen Carpov said the move violates agreements reached at a meeting of the foreign ministers of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) earlier this month in Kyiv.

Based on reporting by ITAR-TASS and Interfax