Transdnestr, a separatist republic with a large ethnic Russian population, proclaimed its independence from Moldova after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
"For us, the Kosovo precedent is an important but not the only key factor. Historical and legal factors, and reality itself suggest we have more right to independence," Smirnov told a news conference, adding that the republic complied with all frames of reference within international law when it came to sovereignty.
The Transdnestrian leader said the international community should develop universal rules and principles for conflict settlement if it wanted to ensure safety, stability and certainty.
"It is time Moldova realized this then more progress would be achieved on many issues," Smirnov said.
Throughout long-lasting talks aimed at finding a solution to the status of Serbia's breakaway province, Russia has backed Belgrade in opposing Kosovo's sovereignty, warning it would have a knock on effect for other secessionist areas, such as Transdnestr in Moldova, South Ossetia and Abkhazia in Georgia and Nagorny Karabakh in Azerbaijan, so called frozen conflicts since the 1990s.
The UN Security Council failed last Wednesday to bridge divisions over the future of Kosovo. The province's drive for independence has been backed by the West and firmly opposed by Serbia. The European Union and NATO assumed responsibility for determining Kosovo's status.
