Interestingly enough I decided to check my mail before I started to write a script for a program on this subject that will be aired on Russia Today television Saturday.
Has the average Russian noticed this vote? Not really. Transdnestr doesn't neighbor Russia. However, the Kremlin is certainly paying attention - even actively supporting the process. Of course there will be pretty of whinning in Western media about this (the same with Akbhazia and S Ossetia), but the fact is the Kremlin is actively trying to resolve these "frozen conflicts" - and it is doing through democracy. Of course its understanding of demcracy will be faulted. But what about the voter turnout? 97% of those who voted want independence and union with Russia.
On the whole I support this process. Why?
1. Russia simply will not allow threat of ethnic wars on or near its borders.
2. Transdnestr, Abkhazia, and South Ossetia are already independent.
3. All want to be with "richer" Russia - Transdnestr has heavy industry and solid ties to the Russian business world.
4. The Kosova "precedent"
5. All three simply feel stronger ties with Russia - esp Transdnestr (Abkhazians and Ossetians simply hate Georgians.
Downside - Russia may regret too many borders changing too fast around it. This part of the world is still dealing with the Soviet collapse.
Wendy Lyon <wendy.lyon at gmail.com> wrote: (Chris, Peter, has anyone in Russia noticed? - W.)
http://en.rian.ru/world/20060918/53996091.html
RUSSIAN INFORMATION AGENCY NOVOSTI
Transdnestr for independence, union with Russia - referendum-1
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