independence

The article examines the main internal political processes in Moldova at the time of the collapse of the USSR and the republic’s independence. The author highlights the features of the formation of the Moldovan statehood and their influence on the formation of the foreign policy course of the young state. The researcher analyzes the process of Moldova’s inclusion in the system of international relations and joining the main international institutions.

The article presents the historical and legal aspects of the formation and development of two fundamental principles of international law:theterritorial integrity of States andthe right of peoplesto self-determination. The author’s analysis showsthat currentlythere is no hierarchy in international law among the principles of territorial integrity of States and the right of peoples to self-determination – they are interrelated and have the same international legal force.

The role of the national movements of the deported peoples in the process of the USSR dissolution is investigated in the article. The programmes of the national movements and its main purpose - creation of independent national states - are analysed in the article. It is made a conclusion that the national movements' leaders position in the setting of the weakened center and the republican national elites strengthening has become disastrous for the integrated state.