<br>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. <br> <br> 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. <br> <br> On the whole I support this process. Why?<br> 1. Russia simply will not allow threat of ethnic wars on or near its borders. <br> 2. Transdnestr, Abkhazia, and South Ossetia are already independent. <br> 3. All
want to be with "richer" Russia - Transdnestr has heavy industry and solid ties to the Russian business world. <br> 4. The Kosova "precedent"<br> 5. All three simply feel stronger ties with Russia - esp Transdnestr (Abkhazians and Ossetians simply hate Georgians. <br> <br> Downside - Russia may regret too many borders changing too fast around it. This part of the world is still dealing with the Soviet collapse. <br> <br> <b><i>Wendy Lyon <wendy.lyon@gmail.com></i></b> wrote:<blockquote class="replbq" style="border-left: 2px solid rgb(16, 16, 255); margin-left: 5px; padding-left: 5px;"> (Chris, Peter, has anyone in Russia noticed? - W.)<br><br><br>http://en.rian.ru/world/20060918/53996091.html<br><br>RUSSIAN INFORMATION AGENCY NOVOSTI<br><br>Transdnestr for independence, union with Russia - referendum-1 <br> </blockquote><br><p> 
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