On 2 September 2007 parades and celebrations rang out throughout the length of Transdniestria (Pridnestrovie) to mark independence day. It has been seventeen years since the new and emerging country declared independence. Its 550,000 inhabitants see sovereign statehood as the best way to guarantee freedom and democracy in the future.

Stanislav Khazheyev, PMR's Minister of Defense, said in his official independence day speech that Pridnestrovie, its people and its armed forces have successfully defended their right to live on their own land.

" - On 2 September 1990, the people decided to form their own own republic. This young state had to pass some heavy tests very quickly," recalled Stanislav Khazheyev.

A new photo book has been published with interviews in three

languages covering the hopes and dreams of Pridnestrovie's

A new photo book has been published with interviews in three languages covering the hopes a

nd dreams of Pridnestrovie's peop