The annexation of Bessarabia to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics 70 years ago – on June 28, 1940 – meant the occupation of a part of Romania. This is the opinion of 34% of the respondents of the last Public Opinion Barometer. 27% of those questioned consider that Bessarabia was then freed from Romanian occupation. Each third Moldovan cannot say what that event represented, Info-Prim Neo reports. The survey revealed a clear division between the Moldovan/Romanian population and the national minorities over the June 1940 events. Most of the representatives of ethnic minorities describe the event as liberation from Romanian occupation, while half of those who say they are Romanians or Moldovans consider it represented the occupation of a Romanian territory. The attitude towards the Communist regime that existed before 1990 is much the same. One third of the population, mainly the ethnic minorities, have a positive attitude towards that regime. 30% of the Moldovans have a negative attitude, while 30% are indifferent. More than 70% of the population is slightly or not at all informed about the deportations, organized famine and forced collectivization. The Public Opinion Barometer was carried out by the Public Opinion Barometer during April 24 – May 14.