TIRASPOL, October 28 (RIA Novosti, Vladimir Sandutsa) - The self-proclaimed republic of Transdnestr denied allegations Friday from Moldova of participating in illegal arms trade.

In response to a statement made earlier by Moldova's Prime Minister Vasily Tarleyev that weapons from Russian arsenals in the region are being sold to Chechen militants, Vitaly Ignatyev, spokesman for the republic's foreign ministry, said Moldova has accused the republic of participation in illegal arms trade throughout its 15 years of existence.

"During that entire time, Moldovan authorities failed to present concrete evidence to the global community showing that weapons from Transdnestr had been used in 'hot spots' around the world," he said.

He also said Transdnestrian authorities have been trying since 2002 to invite international experts to monitor defense industry enterprises in the republic.