Moldova celebrates Independence Day

On August 27th, Moldova celebrates the anniversary of its independence which the former Soviet republic proclaimed 11 years ago shortly before the collapse of the Soviet Union. President Vladimir Voronin laid a wreath to the monument of Stefan the Great -- the Moldovan sovereign who stood at the source of Moldovan statehood.

A festive concert of masters of arts took place on the main square of Chisinau to celebrate Independence Day.

Various cultural functions and public merry-making devoted to the 11th anniversary of Moldovan independence have been organised in the republic's cities and villages.