August 7 declared national mourning day in memory of late former President Ion Iliescu

Convened on Tuesday evening in an extraordinary meeting, the government declared August 7 a day of national mourning in Romania, in honor to the memory of the late former President Ion Iliescu.

In accordance with the legal provisions in force, on the day of national mourning, all central and local public institutions and authorities shall fly the Romanian flag at half-mast. Also, the national flag will be flown half-mast at the headquarters of political parties, trade union and employer organizations, educational institutions of all levels, Romanian cultural institutions and diplomatic missions, at border crossing points, in airports, ports, train and bus stations, as well as on ships of any kind and on boats sailing under the Romanian colors.

The same obligation applies to individuals if they fly the Romanian flag at home or at their residence.

Also, radio and TV broadcasters, and cultural institutions shall adapt their programs to the solemnity of this day.

At the government meeting, the Save Romania Union (USR) was against a day of national mourning being declared in honor of ex-President Ion Iliescu, USR leader Dominic Fritz announced.

USR representatives will not attend the funeral, Fritz also wrote on Facebook.

"Out of respect for the victims of the 1989 Revolution and the miners' rampages, USR proposed at the government meeting than no day of national mourning be observed. We take note of the government's decision. USR representatives will not attend the funeral," the USR Chairman said.

A prominent post-December 1989 political personality, Ion Iliescu served three terms as president between 1990-1992, 1992-1996 and 2000-2004. He played an important role in the transition from the communist regime to democracy, being the first president elected after the 1989 Revolution.

During his term, Romania adopted a new Constitution (1991), the foundations of democratic institutions were laid, and political and economic reforms were initiated.