The Russian ultranationalist leader, Vladimir Zhirinovsky, has said that the breakaway Trans-Dniester region of Moldova should become part of the Russian Federation.

During a visit to the main town in Trans-Dniester, Tiraspol, he said his Liberal Democratic Party would move a resolution in the Russian parliament, recommending that President Yeltsin officially recognize Trans-Dniester.

Mr Zhirinovsky also said Russia should not oppose any future decision by the Romanian-speaking majority in Moldova to reunite with Romania, provided that this did not include Trans-Dniester.