War Lingers across the Dniester
Outlaw country Transdniestria continues to seek recognition
It likes to call itself Europe's youngest country, but the worrisome unknowns about Transdniestria means it has probably not earned its independence yet
The pronounceable name is Transdniestria, but it is also known as Trans-Dniestr, Transnistria or Pridnestrovie. The more difficult version is Pridnestrovskaia Moldavskaia Respublica (PMR), and if the tricky name of this outlaw country is an indication of the problems afflicting it since World War II, it is aptly so. Located in a narrow strip of land wedged between Moldova and the Ukraine, Transdniestria was thrown together with Moldova when Europe’s borders were redrawn after the Second World War. After the fall of the USSR in the early 1990’s, Transdniestria declared its independence when its more pro-Russia inhabitants feared that Moldova would choose closer ties with Romania. The problem was – and still is – that no one has recognized its independence.
One country, but never one nation
Transdniestria is passionate about its uniqueness and that is has little in common with Moldova. It defends its independence claim by saying that it has its own parliament and president, its own currency, a flag, postage stamps and various other symbols of autonomy. But what about the economy? How does tiny Transnistria survive? Since the country is not recognized, it is next to impossible to measure and verify what goes on inside its notoriously porous borders. However, it is widely believed that large stockpiles of Cold War weapons are stored here and that Transdniestria has continued to manufacture and sell heavier weapons to unknown clients. Furthermore, claims of drug smuggling and human trafficking are rife.
All nonsense, say the leaders, pointing to the impressive government website and its twin, an equallyremarkable and enthusiastic tourism website. Both sing the praises of this unique non-country, where the economy is “very open” and democracy “transparent”, but observers say that much of the government-sponsored information is falsified to bolster the country’s quest for autonomy. A 2004 census put the population at 555 000, but an earlier1989 figure estimated it to be 679 000. If there is any truth in the figures, the sharp decline in population numbers hint that Transdniestria might not be such a happy place to live after all.
The country’s president, Igor Smirnov, was elected in 2004 for his fourth term. His family is widely believed to smuggle cigarettes, alcohol and petrol. The country’s second largest company, with the dubious name of Sheriff, purportedly belongs to him (although the government denies this) and has interests in shopping malls, grocery stores, petrol stations etc. Some report that its annual turnover is around US$4bn (compared with a reported GDP of 85 million…).
Failed attempts at finding a solution
The US, Russia, the EU and OCSE have not had much luck in resolving the conflict in the region. Russian “peacekeeping” troops are still present despite earlier deadlines to withdraw them, and the other parties have apparently lost energy. The latest development is an agreement that would have Moldova recognizing Transdniestria’s government for the first time. In theory the agreement would mean the election of a new government representing both Moldova and Transdniestria. The so-called agreement has alarmed the West and suits Russia, who still does not want to give up a small part of its once mighty empire. Like so much else about the region, the truth remains murky, except that the show is almost definitely run by shadowy figures and that the rights and security of average citizens remain uncertain.
