Cyprus today bids farewell to its third President of the Republic, a man who, according to those who knew him well, “loved people” and served his country not only as a politician but as a citizen, with sincerity and a deep faith in democracy. The funeral of the former President will take place today at 1:00 pm at the Church of Agia Sophia of God’s Wisdom in Strovolos. The family will receive condolences at the church from 11:30 am. Burial will take place at Aglantzia Municipal Cemetery, while the day has been declared a public holiday.
At the Church of Agia Sophia, where the former President’s body lay in state yesterday, his wife, Androulla Vassiliou, arrived on Friday morning accompanied by their three children. Speaking to reporters, she said among other things: “I lost a man in the fullest sense of the word. He loved people. Sometimes I used to tell him, ‘George, be more careful, more selective.’ And he would say, ‘No, everyone is good to me.’ Because that was who he was. He was good to everyone, he loved people and he loved his country. Very much.” Referring to his legacy, she said: “He consolidated democracy,” stressing that Cyprus would have been a different country had he served a second term as President.
According to the programme, the late President’s body was transferred in the morning to the Church of Agia Sophia in Strovolos on a gun carriage, accompanied by the Police Philharmonic Orchestra. The family will receive condolences at the church from 11:30 am, while the funeral service will begin at 1:00 pm.
The Greek Government will be represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Gerapetritis, who will also deliver a eulogy. Eulogies will also be delivered by the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides; the Rector of the University of Cyprus, Tasos Christofides; Michalis Papapetrou on behalf of his former associates; and his son, Evelthon Vassiliou. Burial will take place at Aglantzia Municipal Cemetery, accompanied by a gun salute.
Book of condolences
The country’s political leadership attended the Presidential Palace yesterday to sign the book of condolences. The book was signed by the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, accompanied by members of the Cabinet. In his message, Mr Christodoulides referred to a “period of profound mourning”, honouring George Vassiliou’s decisive contribution to the country.
Party leaders, former President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades, serving and former officials, as well as representatives of Cyprus’s religious communities, also signed the book of condolences at the Presidential Palace. “He was an emblematic figure in the modern political history of Cyprus, who worked with unwavering commitment for the further modernisation of the state,” wrote Mr Anastasiades.
The President of the House of Representatives and leader of DISY, Annita Demetriou, wrote among other things: “George Vassiliou was a leader with an open and free mind. Without blinkers. With deep faith in democracy and in the power of dialogue.”
AKEL General Secretary Stefanos Stefanou noted: “We bid farewell with love, respect and gratitude to George Vassiliou. His work and contribution to our Cyprus and to public life are universally recognised. A visionary, a realist, a reformer. He pushed forward efforts for a solution to the Cyprus problem. He promoted Cyprus in Europe. He modernised the state and society. He provided solutions and opened new paths. We are proud to have walked this road with you. Farewell.”
“The legacy George Vassiliou leaves behind is a significant and lasting imprint on the public and political life of our country,” said DIKO leader Nikolas Papadopoulos.