TIRASPOL. Aug 22 (Interfax) - Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin met on Friday with Transdniestria leadership and discussed issues of Russia-Transdniestria cooperation, the Moldovan-Transdniestria settlement and situation at the Transdniestria-Ukraine border section.
Russian intends to continue supporting Transdniestria, which is blockaded by Moldova and Ukraine, Rogozin said, talking to reporters following the meetings.
"And the stronger pressure on our fellow citizens, the more consistent and stronger Russia's line to protect them will be. This is beyond doubt. We will not allow Transdniestria to be strangled," the deputy prime minister said.
"We have information on the concentration of armed forces and means [at the Transdniestria-Ukrainian border]. Facts of provocations, not only by official law enforcement structures of Ukraine but all political thugs, exist," Rogozin said.
By closing the border for all Transdniestria residents with Russian passports, Ukraine has violated the fundamental principles of the United Nations, he said.
Rogozin said he intended to hold talks on Friday in Chisinau with Moldovan Prime Minister Iurie Leanca, during which restrictions on the supply to Russia of some Moldovan agricultural products - following Chisinau's signing of the deep and comprehensive trade agreement with the European Union - would be discussed.
Moldova itself has been inactive in resolving this issue, the deputy prime minister said.
"Moldovan farmers are already striking and holding demonstrations and, excuse the phrasing, the government does not itch. It was necessary to go to Moscow urgently and to discuss the accumulated issues. Not wait for me," Rogozin said.
Furthermore, the Moldovan authorities did not consult with Transdniestria, on whose economy the association agreement signed with the EU will have negative impact, the deputy prime minister said.