The Moscow-trained engineer took power after the bloody 1989 revolution that culminated in the overthrow and execution of dictator Ceausescu.

Iliescu presided over the Eastern European country's chaotic transition from communism to democracy. He was hospitalized for lung cancer in early June.

E' morto a 95 anni Ion Iliescu, ex leader comunista poi primo presidente della Romania dopo la rivoluzione del 1989 che pose fine al regime di Nicolae Ceausescu. (ANSA)