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Igor Sminov, president of the self proclaimed republic of Transdniestria, said on Friday at a Tiraspol news conference:
"Transdniestria is interested in extending the circle of allies and the neighborhood belt, but at the same time we shall always be protecting our national interests,"
And went on to say:
"Recently, the Transdniestria Republic has intensified its diplomatic cooperation with the countries-guarantors [implying Russia and Ukraine] as well as with European Union representatives. Meetings became not just regular, but systematic. Five-six years ago western diplomats would say such thing is inadmissible..."
"Transparent elections to the Supreme Council and presidential elections, as well as a referendum on the republican status were held in Transdniestria with participation of international observers. Overall, Transdniestria interacts and cooperates with more than 98 countries in the world."
Igor Smirnov also pointed out that:
"Effectiveness of contacts with international institutions and their influence upon settlement of the relations between Chisinau and Tiraspol is, unfortunately, low. It is connected with the fact that while taking decisions international institutions take into account first of all not legal and international norms, but current political interests. The gist of the interests is to decrease Russia's influence in Transdniestria or push it away from the area - both from the negotiation process and the peacekeeping format. Moldova announced its decision to integrate into Europe, and is taking a pro-American position towards Russia."
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