May 19 was proclaimed a national mourning day. President Nicolae Timofti on May 17 signed a decree to this effect following the death of the opera singer Maria Biesu, Info-Prim Neo reports, quoting the presidential press service. “In connection with the grief caused by the passing away of the famous opera singer Maria Biesu, the President of Moldova decrees the day of soprano’s funeral, May 19, 2012, as national mourning day,” it is said in the decree. Under the decree, on May 19 the national flag will be flown at half mast in all Moldova’s settlements. A minute’s silence in memory of Maria Biesu will be observed at 12 noon. The public authorities, companies and organizations are recommended to abandon the plans to stage public recreational activities on May 19, 2012.