BUCHAREST, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Romanian government declared Aug. 7 a national day of mourning to honor the memory of former President Ion Iliescu, who passed away at the age of 95 on Tuesday.
According to official provisions, the Romanian flag will be flown at half-mast on all public buildings, including those of central and local authorities. The same protocol applies to political parties, trade unions, employer associations, educational institutions, cultural centers, diplomatic missions, and at border crossings, airports, ports, train and bus stations, as well as on all Romanian-flagged ships and boats.
Private individuals displaying the national flag at home are also required to lower it to half-mast as well.
In addition, radio and TV broadcasters, along with cultural institutions, are instructed to adapt their programs in keeping with the solemnity of the day.
Iliescu served as president for three terms between 1990 and 2004. He had been receiving treatment in a hospital since June after being diagnosed with lung cancer, and his condition had worsened in recent days, according to public medical reports. ■
