“The victory over fascism laid the basis of a new free Europe that continued to develop following the path to democracy, civilization and unity. Moldova also shares and implements these ideals,” President Nicolae Timofti said in the May 9 assembly held at the Memorial Complex “Eternity”, Info-Prim Neo reports. According to the head of state, Moldova lost tens of thousands of people in World War II. Over 80,000 Moldovans who served in the Soviet army and the Romanian one were killed on battlefields between Stalingrad and Berlin. “Today we also mark Europe Day. Our aspirations for European integration allow us to meet this day with joy as time showed that the EU is a success project, an area of freedom, safety and welfare,” stated Nicolae Timofti. Head of Parliament Marian Lupu said that the nations united against fascism in that war. “That’s why I think that May 9 is the day of unity – national, spiritual and of values. We, those who represent Moldovan society should show unity. It is a day that requires ensuring interethnic peace and social harmony. I thank the veterans for the victory they brought and for giving us the chance to live and build the future,” said the Speaker. Prime Minister Vlad Filat said that the authorities celebrate peace on May 9 alongside the veterans. “Seven decades ago, the most courageous people sacrificed their lives for peace. Owing to them, we have a united Europe. On this day, we render homage to the war veterans and the widows of those killed in war,” he stated. Representatives of the Communist Party of Moldova came to the Memorial Complex “Eternity” one hour later. The Communists’ leader Vladimir Voronin, party members and veterans of the PCRM column had to wait for 15 minutes before they were able to lay flowers at the monument. Voronin said later that he regrets the lack of unity on this day. “This day could be a day of unity because today we mark Europe Day as well. We did not receive invitations and thus asked the Chisinau City Hall to authorize our march. But here, at the Memorial Complex, we do not need authorizations. It is our duty to come and lay flowers. We waited as long as it was necessary as we wanted harmony at least today,” said Vladimir Voronin. Thousands of people, including veterans of World War II, laid flowers at the Eternal Fire and the graves of the heroes who died in battle. On May 9, it was 67 years of the capitulation of the Nazi Germany.