Moldova's New Prime Minister To Meet Transdniester's Leader

Moldova's new prime minister, Chiril Gaburici

Moldova’s Prime Minister Chiril Gaburici is due to meet with Yevgeny Shevchuk, the leader of the country's breakaway Transdniester region, on March 14 in the Moldovan capital, Chisinau.

The talks between Shevchuk and the head of Moldova's new pro-European government are aimed at reinvigorating negotiations on the frozen Transdniester conflict.

Shevchuk has said in the past that he was only prepared to discuss a political settlement and Transdniester's status after all social, economic, and humanitarian questions have been resolved.

Chisinau has argued that Shevchuk takes that position in order to secure agreements and conditions that would bolster its independence claims.

Pro-Russian Transdniester declared independence from Moldova in 1990 and fought a separatist war in 1992.

Transdniester's independence has not been recognized by any state.

Russia maintains about 1,200 troops in the separatist region, despite Moldova's repeated requests that they be withdrawn.

With reporting by TASS and Interfax