"The equality and respect of Transdniestrian interests will lead to positive results and formation of a federative state," reads Igor Smirnov's address to Transdniestrians in connection with the 12th anniversary of the 1992 armed conflict.
On Saturday mourning events are being held in Transdniestria. Flowers are laid to the graves of the armed conflict victims all over the republic.
"The June tragedy is a black day of mourning for all Transdniestrians. It means hundreds of killed and wounded people, destroyed houses and plants, thousands of refugees and children who saw the war and evacuation horrors," says the Transdniestrian leader's statement.
In June 1992 the Moldovan authorities deployed troops in Transdniestria. Local residents put up armed resistance. Both sides suffered great losses.
The main mourning events are held in Bendery, which saw the bloodiest conflicts. This morning thousands of people marched from Liberation Square to the Memory and Grief Memorial and held a rally there. A moment of silence will be observed in the town tonight.
Moreover, the annual commemoration canoe regatta will take place on the Dniester River today.
Yesterday the local administration asked policemen not to wear their uniforms on the mourning day.
