Chisinau, March 14 (Infotag). Transnistrian non-governmental organizations have demanded abolishment of the decree issued last week by Transnistrian leader Igor Smirnov on prohibiting NGO funding by foreign donors.

Chairman of the Moldovan Helsinki Committee for Human Rights Stefan Uritu told a news conference in Infotag that a forum for democracy and human rights was held in Bendery town last Saturday, at which 18 organizations signed a Statement demanding that the right of free association and NGO activities be duly guaranteed and observed in Transnistria.

“The Smirnov’s decree is in contravention with national and international legislation, and is a bright illustration that there is no democracy in Transnistria, and that everything there is subdued to Smirnov’s interests. The decree is aimed at tramping on the last sprouts of democracy remaining in the region, and at further enslaving the Transnistrian population”, Uritu said.

He believes that by means on the decree concerned, Igor Smirnov is trying to further self-isolate the region.

“There are some 6 hundred non-governmental organizations registered in Transnistria, but only about 20 of them are really independent and democratic. Unfortunately, the rest are intended for servicing the Transnistrian authorities, and are financed from Russia. I do not believe the decree in question will affect them in any way”, said Stefan Uritu.

He emphasized that even the cessation of foreign financing will not prevent Transnistrian non-governmental organizations from their work for democratization of the separatist region.

The organizations’ joint declaration has been sent to the Governments of Moldova and Transnistria, and to international organizations.