Cyprus’ political leadership signs Book of Condolences for former President Vassiliou

Among those present were party leaders, former President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades, Members of the Parliament, current and former officials, representatives of Cyprus’ religious communities and members of the Diplomatic Corps
The Book of Condolences for former President of the Republic, George Vassiliou, was signed on Friday morning by the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, Ministers, House President, Annita Demetriou, and the country’s political leadership. The Book opened in the Presidential Palace on Friday, from 10.30 am to to 3 pm.
“With deep sorrow, we bid farewell to the former President of the Republic of Cyprus, George Vassiliou, and we honour his contribution to his homeland, Cyprus,” the message signed by President Christodoulides and the Members of the Cabinet reads. It is added that “George Vassiliou’s contribution was decisive in achieving the foremost strategic goal of our country’s accession to the European Union, while remaining, until the end of his life, devoted to efforts for the resolution of the Cyprus problem and the reunification of our homeland.”
An irreplaceable void and a heavy political legacy are left behind by former President of the Republic, George Vassiliou, wrote the President of the House of Representatives, Annita Demetriou.“George Vassiliou was one of the most significant figures in our modern political history. As President of the Republic of Cyprus, he stood out for his courage and dynamism, his visionary and entrepreneurial spirit, and his tireless efforts to resolve our national issue,” Demetriou noted.
She further pointed out that “thanks to his outward-looking approach and mobility, he also achieved the institutional and social modernization of the state. We also owe to George Vassiliou the establishment of our public university, investing in scientific potential and the country’s economic and cultural development. Above all, his foundational contribution to our country’s accession to the European Union is indelibly etched in our memory.” She added that “he leaves behind for all of us an irreplaceable void and a heavy political legacy.”
The entire political leadership of the country gathered on Friday at the Presidential Palace to sign the Book of Condolences. Among those present were party leaders, former President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades, Members of the Parliament, current and former officials, representatives of Cyprus’ religious communities and members of the Diplomatic Corps.
Vassiliou was the third President of the Republic, elected President in 1988. He passed away late on Tuesday, 13th January, at the age of 94. His funeral is planned for Saturday at 1pm.
Source: CNA