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Transnistria is currently seen by most countries of the world as a region of Moldova in Eastern Europe. However Transnistria, also calling itself Pridnestrovie, under the leadership of Igor Smirnov, separated from Moldova and declared independence on September 2nd 1990. This stance was further strengthened when a pitched battle with the assistance of Russian troops took place in 1992, around 1500 people were killed.
 The government of Moldova wishes for Transnistria to return and be once again under its rule, many other countries in the world also see this as the proper outcome for this “frozen conflict”.
A referendum was held in Transnistria where, on Sunday September 17th 2006, it is said there was a huge voter turnout. The voters were asked to decide on the following:
1. Do you support the course towards the independence of the PMR [Transnistria] and the subsequent free association with the Russian Federation?
2. Do you consider it possible to renounce the PMR's independent status and subsequently become part of the Republic of Moldova?
According government of Transnistria, 78.6 percent of the registered voters of Transnistria voted in the referendum. 97.1 percent supported number 1; 2.3 percent did not. 3.4 percent supported number 2; 94.6 percent did not.
While Moldova and other countries say they will not recognise this vote, the vote has taken place and the figures are there nonetheless. Some supporters of Igor Smirnov’s Transnistria argue that the votes should be considered, as do a number of Euro MPs. Still, the vote appears to have done little towards achieving a favourable outcome for either Transnistria or Moldova, at least not yet.
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