Transnistrian authorities categorically oppose the withdrawal of Russian troops Tuesday, November 8, 2016 3:38:00 PM

The President of internationally unrecognized Transnistria, Yevgeny Shevchuk, stated that Transnistria expressed its strong opposition to the withdrawal of Russian troops from the region, TASS reported.

“Russian troops, who play a key role in peacekeeping operations in Dniester, represent a unique example of peacekeeping that is recognized by many experts in the world. This operation is a guarantee of peace and stability in Transnistria,” Shevchuk said.

“We believe that it makes no sense to withdraw troops while there is no final political decision on the resolution of conflict because it will escalate the situation and can lead to the resumption of bloodshed.”

The Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Dmitry Rogozin, reported on his Facebook page that this issue should be negotiated with Russia. “Did you forget to consult with Russia and Transnistria? Because it sounds like Honduras promised to help Guatemala to withdraw the U.S. troops from Korea,” Rogozin wrote.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova expressed outrage at Transnistrian military competitions with Russia’s participation. According to the Ministry, the illegal military presence of Russian troops in the country speaks of disregard for rules and principles of the international law.

Chișinău believes that Moscow should withdraw its troops from the region and begin negotiations on the transformation of the armed peacekeeping mission into a civilian one. On the 6th of November, as Deschide previously reported, Ukraine and Moldova agreed to organize the green corridor for withdrawal of Russian troops and weapons from Transnistria (Cobasna village).

The withdrawal plan is expected to be prepared by the end of 2016. The target group consists of 1,200 servicemen. According to Russian media, the Operational Group of Russian troops (the successor of 14th Combined Army of the USSR) is stationed in the territory of Transnistria. The main task of this Operational Group includes peacekeeping and guarding ammunition warehouses. The relevant agreement was signed in 1992.

The conflict in Transnistria has been frozen since 1992. In a 2007 referendum that was held in Transnistria, 98% of voters favored the independence of the Republic and integration with the Russian Federation.

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