A referendum in Transnistria declared independence from Moldova, but the EU has called for a return to the negotiating table.

 

97% have voted in favour of independence and of joining Russia in a referendum in the self-proclaimed Republic of Transnistria on 17 September 2006.

 

In a declaration by the Presidency on 18 September 2006 the EU stated that this referendum contradicted the “sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova.”

 

The EU considers that the situation in the region does not provide full freedom of expression and therefore does not recognise the outcome of the referendum.

 

Russian Foreign Minister Sergej Lawrow said the vote was “democratic and open”, but admitted that the conflict had to be solved between Transnistria and Moldova.

 

EU calls for negotiated solution.