Wow, thanks for the update! I have missed out on that one.
This is very, very interesting.
Especially regarding the new 'peace-talks'/negotiations going on, between Tiraspol and Chisinau right now.
Up towards the meeting, the strain between Voronin and Smirnov, has definitely not improved.
During the last talks, Tiraspol agreed to make a report, on the number of armed formations in Transdniestria and their weaponry.
At that time the negotiators from Transdniestria said they weren't qualified to take on such an task, so they were promised to get assistance from
Russia, to compile the report. The Moldovan Reintegration Minister
Vasile Sova said that this has not been done. Although some of the mediators and observers are active, he continues to say that they are lacking real
commitment from Tiraspol, to reach a compromise.
Related link:
Interfax
These meetings being held now, are very, very, complicated and frustrating for all parts.
This round has focused on establishing procedures for goods to move in and out of the region, a sliver of land on the east bank of the Dnestr
River, with the approval of Moldovan customs.
Romanian-speaking Moldova says the measure will curtail rampant smuggling. Authorities in Dnestr, which enjoys no international recognition, say it
amounts to an economic blockade.
The last round of the talks in December ended in failure. Negotiators had been trying to clinch agreement on sending a mission to Dnestr to
investigate how to hold a free election.
The United States voiced frustration this week, saying stalemate had "retarded economic development in the region and prevented the people of Moldova
... from enjoying real peace.
Related link:
Alertnet
A missing son, could give 'someone' a leverage during negotiations of this magnitude, as it is in this case. It is also so horribly old-fashioned
and cowardly to act, with a kidnapping, when You KNOW you are loosing the game.
[edit on 27-1-2006 by Ulvetann]