Former Romanian President Ion Iliescu dies aged 95

Iliescu had been diagnosed with lung cancer and hospitalised in early June in Romania's capital, Bucharest.

"It is with deep regret that the government announces the passing of the former President of Romania, Mr Ion Iliescu," a government statement said.

Iliescu was Romania's first freely elected president, and served twice, between 1990-1996 and 2000-2004. He was accused of crimes against humanity over the violent revolt that toppled Romania's communist regime in 1989, but always denied wrongdoing.