Moldovan President Nicolae Timofti has decorated a group of Moldovan writers for special merits in developing literature, contributing to the promotion of national cultural values and for great professional prowess, Info-Prim Neo reports, quoting a press release from the President's Office. Journalist and author Nicolae Negru was awarded the Order of the Republic, the highest state distinction. The Order of Honor was awarded to Arcadie Suceveanu, Emilian Galaicu-Paun, Irina Popa-Nechit, Mircea Ciobanu, Vasile Garnet and Vitalie Ciobanu. The Labor Glory Order was bestowed on Stefan Agachi, Stefan Melnic, Dumitru Apetri, Nicolae Roibu, Gheorghe Ciocoi, Maria Sleahtitchi, Nicolae Leahu amd Ion Vieru. The Mihai Eminescu Medal was given to Ala Belenco (Zaporojan), Ion Cataveica and Ludmila Sobetchi.