THE RELEVANCE OF THE TRANSNISTRIAN CONFLICT TO MOLDOVA-RUSSIA RELATIONS. SOME CONSIDERATIONS.

The relations between The Republic of Moldova and the Russian Federation are handled by the two countries in the context of the Transnistrian conflict evolution. The supporting of Transnistrian separatism by the Russian Federation, influences the foreign policy of The Republic of Moldova and prevents integration into the EU and NATO The indefiniteness of this frozen conflict and the presence of Russian troops in the Republic of Moldova, a sovereign state, turn East Europe into an unsafe area, an issue of international concern in which are involved organizations such as the OSCE, the EU and NATO. Moldova is the poorest country in Europe, being absolutely dependent on Russian gas, as almost all of Europe, which creates real difficulties in its domestic politics and foreign relations. Another significant problem is that 90 % of Moldova exports go to Russia, so Russian Federation has many different possibilities to coerce the regime in Chisinau, including the possible recognition of independence of Transnistria which would lead to the collapse of territorial units of Moldova that so far has failed, despite numerous attempts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]