The President, the Government and the Parliament mourn the death of Moldova’s first President. The senior state officials offered their condolences to the family, relatives and all those who knew and praised Mircea Snegur, IPN reports.

President Maia Sandu said that Mircea Snegur lived historic times and played an essential role in promoting the independence, freedom and sovereignty of the Republic of Moldova. “Mircea Snegur will remain in memory as the Man who was at the cradle of the Independence of the Republic of Moldova. I express my sincere condolences to the family, relatives and all those who knew and praised Mircea Snegur. “Long live, independent Moldova!” With these words, Mister Mircea Snegur ended his address on August 27, 1991. This wish united the Moldovans during the National Renaissance years and will guide us too in building a decent future for our children and for the Republic of Moldova,” noted President Sandu.

For his part, Prime Minister Dorin Recean said Mircea Snegur was a devoted statesman, an architect of our independence and a promoter of the Romanian language. “With sadness, we bid farewell to the First President of our country. We will continue to build what Mister Snegur always promoted – an independent, stronger, more prosperous and united Moldova,” stated Premier Recean.

Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu noted that Mircea Snegur will be remembered as the man who brought the Independence, Romanian Language and the Tricolor. “I give my sincere condolences to his relatives and friends and to the people of the Republic of Moldova,” said Speaker Grosu.

Moldova’s first President died on Wednesday evening, at the age of 83. September 16, when he is to be buried, was declared a day of national mourning.