The third Prime Minister of Republic of Moldova, Ion Ciubuc, passed away this morning from a terminal illness, at the age of 74. His former colleagues claim that Ion Ciubuc was a true patriot, very energetic and hardworking.

Valeriu Bulgari was the Deputy Prime Minister during Ion Ciubuc's mandate, while during his second mandate, he was Agriculture Minister. The man claims that Ion Ciubuc was always thinking about the people.

"Hardworking, wishing to always do more, faster than the situations sometimes allowed. He was concentrating much on rising the GDP and would explain how it would change the lives of citizens. He truly loved his homeland, its people" former Deputy Prime Minister, Valeriu Bulgari declared.

Until his last breath, Ion Ciubuc was optimistic and enjoyed life.

"He created an agriculture enterprise, after resigning, concentrating on creating produce for export. The last time we spoke was 20 days ago, when he was in a clinic from Germany undergoing surgery, he confessed that it was a serious one, but he would do everything to recover" Valeriu Bulgari recalled.

While Serafim Urechean, a former colleague from Alliance for Democracy and Reforms, claims that Ion Ciubuc was an important figure in our country's history.

"He was a valuable man, who deeply cared for this land, for our people. This piece of news pains me, because he had a whole life ahead of him. He is a great example for many activists from Moldova" Serafim Urechean said.

Ion Ciubuc was the Prime Minister of Republic of Moldova between 1997 - 1999, with two consecutive mandates. 

On 1st February 1999 Ion Ciubuc resigned, while the president from that time, Petru Lucinschi, named in his place Ion Sturza.

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