Criticism of 'Transnistria' ban highlights regional tensions
The initiative by the self-proclaimed authorities on the left bank of the Dniester to ban the term "Transnistria" as the name of the region has been deemed "useless" and "counterproductive" in the current regional context, according to a statement from the Reintegration Bureau to Teleradio-Moldova.
This reaction follows the vote by the so-called authorities in Tiraspol on a proposal put forward by the de facto leader, Vadim Krasnoselski.
The Reintegration Bureau stated to Teleradio-Moldova that such discussions regarding toponymy "will not promote rapprochement between the two banks of the Dniester nor accelerate the negotiation process to resolve the Transnistrian conflict."
It is important to note that the term "Transnistria" appeared in public discourse long before the advent of Nazism or fascism. It is also mentioned in the Declaration of Independence of the Republic of Moldova, which emphasises the historical presence of Moldovans in Transnistria as a component of our people's historical and ethnic territory. The term is also referenced in other legal documents, including Law No. 173 of July 22, 2005, which outlines the basic provisions for the special legal status of localities on the left bank of the Dniester (Transnistria). Recently, however, official use has seen a shift towards terms such as "Transnistrian region," "left bank of the Dniester," or "eastern districts of the Republic of Moldova."
The so-called Supreme Soviet in Tiraspol voted on a proposal by de facto leader Vadim Krasnoselski, which equates the term "Transnistria" on the left bank of the Dniester with the concepts of "fascism" and "Nazism."
Should these so-called provisions not be adhered to, individuals face fines of up to approximately 360 Transnistrian rubles or even arrest for up to 15 days. For officials, the fine is doubled, and for legal entities, it exceeds 9,000 Transnistrian rubles.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
