Moscova acuză Kievul că plănuiește să invadeze Transnistria

The Soviet Time-Slip Territory Of Transnistria Located on a sliver of land running along the eastern border of Moldova, the self declared independent country of Transnistria clings to its Soviet roots. Located on the border of the Ukraine, Transnistria has its own government, parliament, military, police and postal system, but remains unrecognised internationally. And this time-slip territory maintains a Soviet feel that has been described as "surreal", with even the flag sporting the hammer and sickle emblem of Communism. As the Soviet Union began to fragment in the late 1980s Moldova effectively had independence thrust upon it. A growing sense of nationalism saw a number of new laws proposed, including a move towards making Moldovan the nation's only official language. For many in the east of the country this was seen as the beginning of a process that would eventually exclude Russian speakers from public life. So in September 1990 the region of Transnistria proclaimed its secession from Moldova. Two months later, when Moldovan police attempted to forcibly remove new checkpoints to the region, a civil war was ignited. Lasting for two years, this conflict cost the lives of approximately 700 fighters and civilians. It was concluded by a ceasefire in July 1992 and although this tense truce remains in place today Transnistria's political status remains unresolved. Though it has all the trappings of an independent nation it isn't officially recognised by any other sovereign nation - not even Russia - and to all intents and purposes is still considered to be part of Moldova. Today, there is a heavy Russian military presence in Transnistria - an agreement made as part of the ceasefire - and Soviet soldiers remain a highly visible presence. Visitors to Transnistria coming from Moldova mu..., Image: 223837271, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: , Model Release: no, Credit line: Profimedia, TEMP Rex Features