CHISINAU - Transnistria is urging Russia to increase its peacekeeping contingent in the region. General Oleg Gudymo, Transnistria's senior deputy state security minister, said it was necessary to reinforce peacekeepers in Transnistria to prevent a conflict from escalating. Such a step would be an adequate response from Russia to the worsening situation in the security zone.

The Transnistrian official also stated that Russia had legal grounds to increase its Transnistrian peacekeeping forces. Presently, only 300 Russian servicemen are in the region, whereas the earlier-signed agreements allow for a greater number.

Earlier, the President of Moldova claimed that Transnistria was deliberately escalating the conflict, so as to secure an excuse for more Russian forces in the security zone. The Moldovan government accused the Transnistrian authorities of a step-by-step drive towards destabilization. Transnistria denied these claims.