Prime Minister Dorin Recean said that the first President of the Republic of Moldova Mircea Snegur was a devoted statesman, an architect of independence and a promoter of the Romanian language. “We remember with gratitude his courage on our road to a brighter future,” the official said in a condolence message.

“I express my sincere condolences to his family and close friends. With sandiness, we bid farewell to the first President of our country and continue building what Mister Snegur always promoted – an independent, stronger, more prosperous and united Moldova,” stated Dorin Recean.

The Premier quoted a statement made by the first President on April 27, 1995 – “Building a state with the rule of law, in which civic peace, democracy, human dignity and human rights and freedoms, free development of the personality, justice, political pluralism are considered supreme values is the firm and clear option of the people of our country”.

Moldova’s first President Mircea Snegur suffered from an incurable disease. He died in the evening of September 13. September 16 will be a day of national mourning, while the funerals will be held with state honors.