Moldova's breakaway Transdniester has announced a massive rally for January 24 to protest Chisinau's refusal to scrap newly introduced import and export duties for the Moscow-backed region. Moldovan Minister for Reintegration Oleg Serebrian told Trasndniester leader Vadim Krasnoselsky on January 17 that the duties will remain in place, prompting Transdniester to slap trade duties on Moldovan farmers. The call to protest was broadcast by a Tiraspol television station close to the separatist authorities. The status of Transdniester has come under the spotlight again after the European Union invited Moldova's pro-Western authorities to launch accession talks. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Moldovan Service, click here.
Transdniester Calls Rally To Protest Moldova's Trade Duties
Transdniester leader Vadim Krasnoselsky (file photo)