 | SEX SLAVES are big business in Eastern Europe. Now human rights groups want local governments to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. [more] |  | | |  | AFTER MOLDOVA'S ATTACK on Transdniestria in 1992, the local population strengthened its struggle for independence. A look back at the roots of the conflict helps provide a glimpse of what the future could bring. [more] |
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Pope applauded in Transdniester for urging "humane, just and lasting" conflict resolution
Conflicts should be resolved through peaceful negotiations, without any pressure or violence of any kind. That was the key message from Pope Benedict in his Christmas message from the Vatican. He called for an end to conflicts and urged political leaders to find "humane, just and lasting solutions" that would first of all take the will of the affected citizens into account.
The Pope's message to "those who are still denied their legitimate aspirations for a more secure existence" was applauded in PMRVATICAN (Tiraspol Times) - In his third Christmas message since being elected Pope, Benedict XVI called for fair and humane solutions to conflicts in Europe and elsewhere.
The Pope said he hoped Christmas would bring consolation to "those who are still denied their legitimate aspirations for a more secure existence."
Viewers in Pridnestrovie, where his message was broadcast live, applauded his words loudly. Since 1990, the unrecognized country has aspired to have its 'de facto' independence internationally recognized, and become a legitimate part of the international community. Its right to self-determination has been hampered by Moldova, which unsuccessfully went to war in 1992 in an attempt to bring Pridnestrovie under its rule.
" - Such injustices and discrimination are destroying the internal fabric of many countries and souring international relations," the Pope added.
- Referendum overwhelmingly in favor of independence
Pope Benedict has appealed to political leaders to find the wisdom and courage to end conflicts in a way that first of all will take the will of the directly affected citizens into account.
In the case of Pridnestrovie, this would mean respecting the outcome of democratically held elections. In a referendum in September 2006, the electorate of the unrecognized country voted overwhelmingly to continue their independence course and seek closer ties with Russia rather than being integrated with neighboring Moldova, which maintains a territorial claim over the disputed area.
Choosing a broad message, Pope Benedict did not specifically address Pridnestrovie by name in his annual Christmas Day speech, but merely called for fair solutions to conflicts and crisis situations that he described as "frequently forgotten."
The territorial dispute between Moldova and Pridnestrovie (also known as Transnistria, or Trans-Dniester among other names) has been left unresolved for the past seventeen years, ever since Pridnestrovie declared independence in 1990 and Moldova declared independence in 1991. Prior to their respective independence declarations, both areas were part of the Soviet Union where they were first brought together under Josef Stalin's orders in 1940.
The pontiff delivered his conflict-resolution message just hours after celebrating Midnight Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican. Millions were following him as his message was shown on live TV around the world.
Despite having a much smaller size than Pridnestrovie, the Vatican is considered a sovereign state. Like Pridnestrovie, it has no UN membership.
See also:
» The How-To for peace and prosperity on the Dniester
» Transnistria will always be Transnistria
» Bridging the Dniester will require tolerance and mutual respect
On the web:
» Deciphering Transdniestria
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An estimated 4,000 people took to the streets of Tiraspol this weekend in favor of independence from Moldova. The march called for "Slavic Unity" between churches and local civil society organizations. Unlike Pridnestrovie, Moldova is not majority Slavic and friendship - but not unity - is sought with Moldova. . . 
