A large number of people, including politicians, officials, members of the diplomatic corps, friends and associates of former President of the Republic of Cyprus George Vassiliou, gathered on Saturday morning at the Church of Agia Sophia of God’s Wisdom in Strovolos to offer condolences to his family and to honour his memory.
Many of those present spoke to journalists about George Vassiliou’s legacy, painting a portrait of the former President through their personal reflections.
Remembering his legacy
AKEL MP Aristos Damianou said that through his political career, George Vassiliou left an indelible mark on the country’s history. “He played a leading role in our European course, opened new paths for the further democratisation of the state, restored institutions and promoted equality before the law. Above all, he set a clear and steady compass aimed at a solution to the Cyprus problem, liberation and reunification. We are proud to have been his companions on this journey, and proud that Cyprus produces such people,” he said.
PEO General Secretary Sotiroula Charalambous said that during his five-year term, George Vassiliou also left his mark on issues concerning workers and society. She noted that under his presidency the retirement age began to be reduced, the Women’s Agency was established, family law was modernised, and policies were introduced to support working women. “President Vassiliou was a companion in the struggle of the Cypriot people for a solution and reunification. This defined him as President and as a person throughout his life,” she said.
'He won the hearts of Turkish Cypriots'
Lyssi Mayor and journalist Andreas Kauris said he recalled the first press conference of then presidential candidate George Vassiliou, noting that he answered foreign journalists in their own languages — Russian, English, Hungarian and others.
Former AKEL MEP Niyazi Kizilyurek said that George Vassiliou gave everything to resolve the Cyprus problem and succeeded, for the first time, in convincing the international community that the real obstacle was Rauf Denktaş. He highlighted the significant achievement of founding the University of Cyprus, adding that Vassiliou was also “one of the few who managed to win the hearts of Turkish Cypriots”, among whom he earned great respect.
Former minister Vasiliki Anastasiadou said that during their cooperation on Cyprus’s harmonisation process for EU accession, what stood out was his mastery in handling all matters. “He was personally involved in every issue, from the smallest piece of legislation to the most serious matters. Through his persistence and patience, we succeeded in joining the European Union,” she said.
“President, rest in peace. You made history,” said former minister Dimitris Iliadis.
Faith in young people
Volt spokesperson Pieros Karoullas said that George Vassiliou represented the values upheld by Volt. “We hope to achieve even a fraction of the work he accomplished, always respecting the values he himself stood for,” he said.
The President of the United Democrats Youth, Chris Sofroniou, said that George Vassiliou brought democracy to Cyprus. “He was a President who had extraordinary faith in young people — that they can achieve great things and bring about the reunification of Cyprus.”