Tiraspol, 24 November. /Novosti Pridnestrovya/. Russia's State Duma deputy, first deputy chairman of the international affairs committee, Leonid Kalashnikov, wished Pridnestrovians to choose their own path and avoid Russia's previous mistakes.
In an interview with our reporter, the politician said Moscow closely watches the current developments in Pridnestrovie, including, the election campaign. He also noted that, despite all difficulties and external pressure, Pridnestrovie's leadership does not ditch its principles and strategic development thrust.
«Russia is keeping a close watch on what will happen at the elections. Our authorities support Pridnestrovie in its confrontation with the west and its close relations with Russia. Pridnestrovie's situation is even more difficult due to the Ukrainian crisis. This has considerably affected its economy. With all that, your president has proved a rather courageous man, who remains resolute in his convictions, including the rapprochement with Russia. Russia highly appreciates him, his political courage and orientation," said Leonid Kalashnikov.
He also underscored that, in case an oligarchy comes to power, the PMR may repeat Russia's past mistakes. The first thing Vladimir Putin did was «pulling the oligarchy away from state-owned sinecures and power structures», he added.
«Pridnestrovie must choose its own path. However, you'd better avoid the mistakes Russia made in the past. And on no account should you bring these big oligarchs to power at the forthcoming elections. In general, they should be kept away from power structures within firing range," said the MP.
He said it is known in Russia that Pridnestrovian oligarchs have been climbing to power for many years.
«I know there are such oligarchs in Pridnestrovie and for many years they have been climbing to power, using various schemes to achieve their goal. In particular, they inviting different politicians and trying to gain their support. One general, who is now in Pridnestrovie, phoned me yesterday. I am on good terms with him. I was surprised to know that he was there. Today, I have learnt that he is campaigning there for a structure related to big business. I was really surprised to learn that," said Leonid Kalashnikov.
