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Russia, Moldova Sign Joint Statement on Transdnestr Problem
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Moldovan counterpart Vladimir Voronin signed a joint statement here Monday on the Transdnestr Problem, which has blocked the development of their countries' relations for a decade.
According to the statement, the sides agreed to seek a peaceful, just and early solution to the Transdnestr Problem under international human right norms and on the basis of respecting Moldova's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
"The current leadership of Moldova agreed to do much to settle this problem," Interfax news agency cited Putin as saying.
Moscow is ready to play its positive role and act as a guarantor of all understandings that may be reached in the near future, but on condition that these agreements meet the lawful interests of the sides and that each side feels secure, he added.
Transdnestr region is located in east Moldova with a majority Russian population. It declared the founding of a breakaway republic along the banks of the Dnestr River in September 1990. Since 1992, Russia has been involved in the conflict between the local Russians and the Moldovan authorities.
Although the two countries signed an agreement on peaceful solution to the conflict earlier, but the drag-on of its full settlement has produced a great negative effect on bilateral ties.
Under the new statement, both sides expressed willingness to strengthen cooperation in trade, economic, scientific and cultural fields.
The two presidents agreed to set up a new mechanism of cooperation and to conclude a treaty of peace and friendship at an early date.
Voronin, who arrived here for a two-day official visit, stressed that Russia was, is and will remain a strategic ally for Moldova in all respects.
Voronin said the Monday talks with Putin and Russian Cabinet members "will lead to the solution of the problems facing us." " We have come very close to settling the Transdnestr problem," he said.
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