Ukraine to Bring Troops into Transdniestria
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Wednesday, 20 July 2005 |
(Kommersant)
Official Kiev suggested yesterday widening peacekeeping forces in Transdniestria by the contingent of Ukraine. To this effect, it proposed to trim the strength of Russias troops in the region. The initiative has been backed by Tiraspol nearly at once. Moscow thinks any issues related to the presence of military forces in the breakaway Dnestr region should be settled always provided they have been properly agreed with Russia.
Joint peacekeeping forces, including contingents from Russia, Moldova and Transdniestria, have been operating in the breakaway Dnestr region of Moldova since 1992. Ukraine has only ten observers. Ukrainian Ambassador-at-Large Dmitry Tkach made it clear yesterday procedures to add Ukrainian contingent to the peacekeeping operation in the conflict area have been elaborated. The Ukrainian diplomat pointed out bringing troops of Ukraine suggests partial withdrawal of the Russian contingent.
Tiraspol hailed the initiative at once. I think the presence of parties ? Ukraine and Russia ? should be leveled. Participation of Ukrainian contingent in the peacekeeping operation in Transdniestria will guarantee successful completion of negotiations,? press service of Transdniestria's leader quoted Igor Smirnov as saying.
It turned out Igor Smirnov and Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko had talked over the participation of Ukraine in the peacekeeping operation during their personal meeting in Kiev last week. Moscow was ignored then.
Russian Ambassador-at-Large Valery Nesterushkin specified any changes in peacekeeping forces could happen only by consent of Russia. Nesterushkin said the official standing of the RF Foreign Ministry will be determined once Kiev supplies all required documents. Such delicate issues would rather be solved not through mass media,? the diplomat added.
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