Moldova celebrates Independence Day

Friday is Independence Day in Moldova.

Celebrations will begin with a flower-laying ceremony at the statue of Prince Stefan the Great, a national hero and the founder of the Moldovan state. 

Meanwhile, political tensions in the country remain high. In the spring of 2009, parliamentary elections sparked mass riots and new polls were held. But the ruling Alliance for European Integration coalition is short of the majority needed to get its presidential nominee approved by parliament. Up to now, the country has no president.