Polls have opened in the breakaway eastern European region of Trans-Dniester, which is holding a referendum on its future direction.
Polls have opened in the breakaway eastern European region of Trans-Dniester, which is holding a referendum on its future direction.
Trans-Dniester declared itself to be independent in 1990 from the Soviet republic of Moldova, although it has never been recognised internationally.
Trans-Dniester declared itself to be independent in 1990 from the Soviet republic of Moldova, although it has never been recognised internationally.
Some European nations believe the area poses a risk to regional security and Moldova calls it a haven for criminals.
Some European nations believe the area poses a risk to regional security and Moldova calls it a haven for criminals.
But Trans-Dniester insists it should have the right to self-determination.
But Trans-Dniester insists it should have the right to self-determination.
Civil war
Civil war
Voters are being asked whether this separatist state of about 500,000 people should continue working towards independence and eventually joining Russia or be reunited with Moldova.
Voters are being asked whether this separatist state of about 500,000 people should continue working towards independence and eventually joining Russia or be reunited with Moldova.
The self-proclaimed republic is a mainly Russian-speaking area that fought a bloody civil war with Moldova in the early 1990s.
The self-proclaimed republic is a mainly Russian-speaking area that fought a bloody civil war with Moldova in the early 1990s.
So it is expected there will be an overwhelming "yes" to independence and Russia.
So it is expected there will be an overwhelming "yes" to independence and Russia.
But the result will not be recognised internationally.
But the result will not be recognised internationally.
Analysts say the referendum is going ahead because of growing economic pressure from Moldova and neighbouring Ukraine as part of an EU project to improve regional security
Analysts say the referendum is going ahead because of growing economic pressure from Moldova and neighbouring Ukraine as part of an EU project to improve regional security
The referendum will make clear the strong sentiment felt by Trans-Dniester towards Moscow.
The referendum will make clear the strong sentiment felt by Trans-Dniester towards Moscow.
It could also set a precedent for other pro-Russian separatist states in the former Soviet Union.
It could also set a precedent for other pro-Russian separatist states in the former Soviet Union.
Are you in Trans-Dniester? Do you intend to vote in the referendum? Will you vote for or against independence? Send us your comments.
