Moldovan deputy premier attends book launch in memory of heroes dead for Moldova's territorial integrity, independence

Chisinau, 28 February /MOLDPRES/ – Deputy Prime Minister Gheorghe Balan participated today at launch of book "Omagiu si recunostinta" (Homage and gratitude) (revised edition) in memory of fallen heroes in military actions for defending territorial integrity and independence of Moldova, the Bureau for reintegration policies' press service has reported.

The event was held at the Centre of Military History and Culture and is part of the actions scheduled in agenda of events dedicated to the commemoration of 25 years from the beginning of battles for territorial integrity and independence of Moldova.

At the event, Deputy Prime Minister Gheorghe Balan made a speech before a group of soldiers, combatants and family members of those who fought for independence. In his speech, Gheorghe Balan thanked those present for the courage and dedication proven to the motherland. At the same time, the deputy PM said authorities and development partners got actively involved to identify a viable solution to the Transnistrian conflict.

"Unfortunately, bloody clashes could not be avoided and today we live in a divided country, with some territory under occupation and outside constitutional control, but in hope that the process of modernization and getting closer to EU will create a favourable climate for conflict resolution in the interests of Moldovan citizens," Gheorghe Balan said.  

Also, deputy prime minister referred to the situation in the neighbouring country: "We are witnessing a similar scenario repeated today in eastern Ukraine. And there, they struggle daily for independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity".

Deputy Prime Minister thanked the authors of book "Omagiu si recunostinta" for the efforts to writing it, noting that the work falls into the category of materials reflecting facts about the people who gave their lives for Moldova and contains well – documented historic – graphical aspects.

"The book is useful to provide the younger generations about what happened in 1992 on the river Dniester and who were the heroes, for us to remember them today. It is good to write words for each brave person. We have no right to pass under forgetfulness those names by what they did, demonstrated that Moldova had a path to development and brought the supreme sacrifice for us to live free today," Gheorghe Balan concluded.  

After that, Deputy Prime Minister and representatives of the Ministry of Defence of Moldova handed in to handicapped and families of deceased participants in military actions, single material aids, copies of book "Omagiu si recunostinta" and personalized commemorative stamps.

We remind that according to plan events, dedicated to the commemoration of 25 years from the beginning of battles for territorial integrity and independence of Moldova, on 2 March, there will be held worship services in cathedrals and churches in Moldova and take place March of Remembrance in the Great National Assembly Square (PMAN) to memorial "Eternitate" (Eternity), monument  Maica Indurerata (Mother in Grief), where there will be a meeting, commemorating the fallen heroes, in many localities there will be installed commemorative plaques and the streets will be renamed in memory of fallen heroes.