Independence Day 2008 marks 18 years of Pridnestrovie living on its own

During Pridnestrovie's 18 year independence celebrations, President Igor Smirnov congratulates its army and border guards

TIRASPOL (Tiraspol Times) - On 2 September 2008, the unrecognized republic of Pridnestrovie (also known under names such as Transnistria, Transdnestr or Transdniestria) celebrated the 18th anniversary of its declaration of independence.

The predominantly Russian-speaking area broke away from what was then the Moldavian SSR within the borders of Soviet Moldova in 1990 and prevailed in an armed struggle over the territory when Moldova attacked in 1992. After effectively winning the war for independence, a cease fire agreement was signed with Moldova which has successfully held ever since.

The 2nd of September is an annual national holiday in Pridnestrovie. The de-facto independent state began 18th anniversary celebrations on Tuesday at the Memorial of Glory in the capital, Tiraspol, with a flower-laying ceremony at the graves of those who died fighting for the republic's independence.

During this year's anniversary celebrations, the solemn morning walk through the streets of Tiraspol proceeded towards the war memorial where thousands of citizens lay laying of flowers in the memory of local defenders who were killed while defending independence during Moldovan attacks in 1992.

A flag-raising ceremony was then held in central Tiraspol along with a parade of the republic's army, border guards, and police.

Subsequently, one of the key events on the celebration program was the traditional military parade held in Tiraspol's main square. All kinds of fairs and bazaars, cultural and sportive events were also held until late night. They were attended by a both private and official delegations from Russia, Ukraine, Ireland, Belarus, Bulgaria, other CIS countries and the new partially-recognized republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The events ended in the evening with an ice show at the recently inaugurated Tiraspol ice skating rink, capped off with a huge fireworks display over all the main towns and cities in Pridnestrovie at precisely midnight.

Seeking peaceful and civilized divorce

President Igor Smirnov suggested at the celebrations of Pridnestrovie's 18th anniversary that Moldova's President Vladimir Voronin recognize the independent republic of Pridnestrovie (PMR) and sign a friendship and cooperation agreement with it.

Smirnov stressed that such a move would have set a precedent of peaceful conflict settlement. Pridnestrovie has long wanted to negotiate a "civilized divorce" with Moldova, along the lines of how the Czech Republic and Slovakia split into two separate parts after the end of the Cold War.

He noted that mediators and observers were insisting on resuming the peaceful settlement process, adding that Tiraspol had never refused to take part in constructive dialogue. Pridnestrovie declared independence in 1990, one year before Moldova did. Ever since before today's Republic of Moldova declared independence, Pridnestrovie has never been an effective part of today's Moldova. Nor has it any historical affiliation with Moldova.

Smirnov reiterated that during the recent meeting of Presidents of Russia and Moldova Dmitry Medvedev and Vladimir Voronin, Medvedev called upon the Moldovan government to abstain from any actions that could escalate tensions in the wider region.

President: "All the norms of a sovereign state are functioning"

Along with Soviet Georgia's autonomous regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, which were recently recognized by Russia as independent states, Pridnestrovie has stepped its drive for self-rule since Kosovo's declaration of independence in February.

Pridnestrovie has joined Russia in recognizing South Ossetia and Abkhazia, who have reciprocated by recognizing Pridnestrovie, news agency RIA Novosti reported.

Pridnestrovie's elected President Igor Smirnov told the gathering: "On our 18th anniversary we are still celebrating as an unrecognized state. This is despite the fact that we have guaranteed ourselves economic and political independence and that all the norms of a sovereign state are functioning."

He said he hoped Pridnestrovie would soon join Abkhazia and South Ossetia in becoming recognized by others as an independent country.

In a 2006 referendum in Pridnestrovie, close to 98% of the voters supported independence. (With information from RIA Novosti)

See also:
» 2 September 2007: Pridnestrovie's independence day
» Independence Day celebrations in cities throughout Transdniestria
» Still unrecognized, Pridnestrovie celebrates 16 years of de facto independence

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