Russia was also presented by Sergey Gavrilov, chairman of the property committee, head of the interfactional deputies' group on interaction with Pridnestrovie's Supreme Council, Leonid Kalashnikov, first deputy chairman of the international affairs committee, Dmitri Novikov, first deputy chairman of the science and technology committee, and Kazbek Kasaiev, a deputy chairman of the committee on economic policy, innovation development and entrepreneurship. Pridnestrovie was presented by Oleg Khorzhan, a Supreme Council deputy.
According to the president's press office, urgent issues of the Russo-Pridnestrovian cooperation were discussed during the meeting. Attention was given to the difficult socio-economic situation which had been caused by external negative factors and regional instability.
«We note that over a year ago Ukraine began to review its attitude towards Pridnestrovie. We see it as attempts to put some pressure, first of all, on Russia rather than Pridnestrovie, taking into account that 200.000 Russian citizens reside in Pridnestrovie," said Yevgeny Shevchuk in an interview with journalists, adding: «Our transport infrastructure has been blocked. Our cargoes can be exported almost only via Moldova. Ukraine has prohibited the transportation of excisable goods through several customs stations, which has affected Pridnestrovie's budget. We are facing economic, transport and even information blockade.»
Pridnestrovie's president also said that travel limitations imposed by Ukraine on Russia's male citizens were still underway on the Pridnestrovian-Ukrainian border. In addition, Yevgeny Shevchuk pointed out that additional tension was caused by Ukraine's deployment of about 2,000 troops near the border.
The President called attention to the fact that actions aimed at downgrading Pridnestrovie's economic potential were taken by both Ukraine and Moldova.
«We have been living in the regime of sanctions and blockade since 2006. Of course, it has affected our economy. The sanctions will result in the overall impoverishment of our citizens," said Yevgeny Shevchuk. «We have never carried out aggressive policy, but have to resist these additional artificially created conditions. We have been trying to negotiate with our partners in Kishinev and Kiev and secure the functioning of the economy. Unfortunately, we have failed so far. We see that the sanctions and blockade are the base for making political demands.
Pridnestrovie's president also noted that «taking decisions in difficult political conflicts must belong to people's free will.»
Yevgeny Shevchuk expressed gratitude to Russia for supporting the Russian citizens and compatriots residing in Pridnestrovie.
Gennady Zyuganov presented Yevgeny Shevchuk with a medal commemorating the 70th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War.
Later today President Yevgeny Shevchuk held a meeting with Leonid Slutsky (LDPR faction), chairman of the committee on CIS affairs, Eurasian integration and relations with compatriots. Following the exchange of opinions on the most urgent issues, the president took part in the session of the State Duma committee on CIS affairs, Eurasian integration and relations with compatriots.
