Vladimir Voronin and Gheorghe Papuc didn’t attend the Soviet Police day for the first time in 5 years

The Day of the Soviet Police has been celebrated on Friday by 120 veterans of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Traditional since 2001, this year’s celebration was less splendorous, without the presence of the Moldovan President Vladimir Voronin and the Minister of Internal Affairs Gheorghe Papuc. According to MIA, the event was attended by the vice-ministers of internal affairs, Igor Bodorin, Valentin Zubic and Simion Carp, which expressed their gratitude to the veterans, and claimed that their support for the MIA staff is appreciated and their advices are implemented directly in the police activity. Valentin Zubic mentioned in his speech that the veterans should be praised for a considerable part of the MIA achievements. After the festivity, the honorific guests had the opportunity to discus amongst them and with the MIA authorities at a celebration table. In the previous years this day was celebrated in the National Palace, where all former and current policemen were lead by Gheorghe Papuc. The celebration was held by President Vladimir Voronin, former interior minister. 4 years ago, on November 10, 2002, during the celebration of the Soviet Police Day, the minister of internal affairs, Gheorghe Papuc, received from President Voronin General’s epaulets. On November 10, 1989, when the Ministry of Internal Affairs was headed by Vladimir Voronin, during the celebration the MIA headquarters on Stefan cel Mare Boulevard was besieged by tens of thousands of protestants, which revolted against the police methods of intimidation during the national rebirth period. The National Police day, established in 1991, is celebrated on December 18, and is usually not attended by government representatives.