independence

Kissinger says negotiations will only succeed if they reflect an objective reality. For Moldova and Pridnestrovie, it means both must face the facts on the ground.

Russia's Parliament has started hearings aimed at strengthening ties with three unrecognized countries on territory of the former Soviet Union. Pridnestrovie, Abkhazia and South Ossetia asked Russia for formal recognition of their independence. Recommendations from the Duma are so far limited to increased aid, closer ties and the opening of new government missions in the three states.

The 'de facto' independent state of Transdniestria has re-affirmed its commitment to internationally recognized statehood. This follows Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence and the subsequent recognition by the United States of the right to self-determination. "Let the people who live there decide - Why not?" asked Parliamentary Speaker Yevgeny Shevchuk.

For Russia's President Vladimir Putin there is no such thing as a "special case" called Kosovo. "It is all lies, there is no special case," he told a news conference Thursday. He made it very clear that Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and Transdniestria (Pridnestrovie) all fall into the same category, while also adding Northern Cyprus to the list.

Both legally and historically, Transdniestria has a better claim to independence than Kosovo. That is the opinion of Transdniestria's president Igor Smirnov. He also said that the Kosovo precedent is important, but not the only key factor and that Transdniestria will continue to claim sovereignty regardless of what happens in Kosovo.

If Kosovo becomes recognized as an independent country, Transdniestria wants the same rules to apply to its own situation. So says Yevgeny Shevchuk, Speaker of the new and emerging country's parliament. Moldova has ruled out any application of what is now becoming known as the "Kosovo precedent."

An "independence test" is underway, with diplomats from four new countries closely watching Kosovo for signs of a precedent for these self-declared states to the east. The already de-facto independent countries are Transdniestria, Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Nagorno-Karabakh. Western powers have already ruled out any precedent in the case of Kosovo.

Will independence-seeking Kosovo set a precedent for other conflicts elsewhere? The answer is yes, if Kosovo becomes independent. In that case, "extrapolation is inevitable" says Bulgarian Professor of History Nina Dyulgerova.

Europe is not yet ready to give an impartial assessment to the frozen conflicts, says Abkhazia's Foreign Minister. Sergei Shamba represents one of the four freedom-seeking countries whose territorial conflicts were discussed in Berlin this week. None of the affected populations were allowed to have their representatives participate in the talks.

Moldovan guest workers in Italy, Spain and Portugal will unite to support the independence of Pridnestrovie (Transnistria). The pro-independence "Patria Moldova" party is now opening formal branches in these countries. In Russia, an existing party branch already represents 700,000 Moldovans.