On Thursday, memorial services will take place in the churches of the country and the bells will be heard in memory of the victims of the second wave of deportations in 1949.

"Thousands of people were deported at that time, including intellectuals and people tangentially tied to the Orthodox church, and the church was obliged to mention them," said Vadim Cheibaş, secretary of the Metropolitan of the Republic of Moldova.

Additionally, according to the Government's decision, July 6 was declared a national mourning day. The flags will be downgraded, flowers, solemn rallies and photo, documentary and book exhibitions will be organized.

At present, more than eight thousand people are living in Moldova who have been subject to Stalinist deportations.