He came out of the hospital to lead separatist forces in the 1995 referendum, and when the Premier at the time resigned, he took over.

Eduard Shevardnadze fled the city only just before the arrival of separatist forces, having earlier committed to try to remain there as long as possible.

His report was based on the Prince's activities and upon the letters and documents published by the separatist force.

The country remains divided, with the Transnistrian region along the Ukrainian border controlled by separatist forces.

Chechen separatist forces recaptured the city in August 1996, ending the war.

He and others like him patiently bore the ire of the separatist forces without losing faith in their mission.

The separatist forces lost two referendums, in 1980 and 1995, the second defeat by an extremely narrow margin.

Moscow clandestinely supplied separatist forces with financial support, military equipment and mercenaries.

These attacks, as well as widespread human rights violations by Russian and separatist forces, drew international condemnation.

The separatist forces too suffered heavy losses, including losing several top commanders.