President of Romania Traian Basescu says that poet Grigore Vieru was a voice of the Romanian conscience that will remain in memory by his love for the Romanian language and history from both banks of the Prut and by the ideals that he tirelessly promoted. “His death is a great loss for the Romanian culture. I want to offer my condolences to his family! God rest his soul!” the message of condolence of the Romanian president says. Prime Minister Emil Boc also sent a condolence message. “It was a pain to find out that the great poet and patriot Grigore Vieru died. Artist and militant, talented lyrical writer and high conscience, innovator in his creation and keeper of the tradition, Grigore Vieru won a place of honor in the culture of our country. I render homage to the man that became a model of patriotism and a symbol through his faith and moral force with which he defended the Romania language, spirit and values. I send my sincere condolences to the family, friends and all those that loved and admired him!” says the message published on the Romanian Government’s website, Info-Prim Neo reports. During a televised program, poet Adrian Paunescu said: “We should have a day of national mourning in Romania because not only the soul of Bessarabia died, but also an important part of Romania’s soul. “I call on the authorities, President and Prime Minister to announce a day of national mourning for a genius poet that laid the basis of the national unity during his life and through his death. We will become somebody in the world if we know to keep out sensibility and connection with those that lived before us. That’s why, Grigore Vieru is among those that preceded us!'' Agerpres quoted Adrian Paunescu as saying. The poet will be buried on January 20 at the Central Cemetery located on Armeneasca Street in Chisinau. Tuesday is a day of national mourning in Moldova.