Balkans: June 30, 2003

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Moldova's tussling with the breakaway "Transdniester Republic" simply won't end.. Moldova has threatened an "economic blockade" against the rebel region. We say "threatened" because only parts of the blockade have been implemented. For example, Moldova has gotten Ukraine to block shipment of goods from Transdniester if the good lack a Moldovan government seal. In response, the president of Transdniester has said Transdniester will "respond" to the economic attack. Transdniester can't respond economically, at least no effectively. It can get political help from Russia, but Russia is interested in solving the problem in Moldova. Analysts say it can block natural gas shipments from Russia (via pipeline) and shut down part of the electrical grid. Stay tuned.