Cyprus is bidding farewell on Saturday to former Greek Cypriot leader George Vassiliou, who died at the age of 94, with a state funeral awarding honours to a sitting head of state. Senior officials are attending the service, including Greece’s Foreign Minister.
Vassiliou’s body was scheduled to be transferred in the morning to the Church of Agia Sophia (Tou Theou Sofia) in Strovolos, carried on a gun carriage and accompanied by the Police Philharmonic Band. The family is receiving condolences at the church from 11:30, while the funeral service is scheduled to begin at 13:00.
Greece is being represented by Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, who is also expected to deliver a eulogy. Additional tributes are to be delivered by Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides, University of Cyprus Rector Tasos Christofides, Michalis Papapetrou on behalf of Vassiliou’s associates, and Vassiliou’s son, Evelthon Vassiliou. A representative of former Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci will also deliver a message. The burial is set to take place at the Aglantzia Municipal Cemetery, accompanied by honorary volleys.
An atmosphere of deep emotion preceded the funeral during a public viewing on Friday at the same church. Crowds of all ages—including colleagues and ordinary citizens—arrived to pay their respects, leaving flowers and writing messages in the condolence book. Among the tributes, Vassiliou’s driver of 26 years, Averof Moritsis, described him as a “second father” and an “archon,” while many visitors praised his character, modesty, and modernising work.
Vassiliou’s wife, Androulla, appeared grief-stricken but proud of what she called her husband’s legacy. She said, she lost “a companion in the literal sense of the word.” She added that he died with an enduring longing for reunification, noting that until the end his concern and vision remained focused on a settlement to the Cyprus issue—while expressing hope that the democratic principles and unity he championed would not be lost.
( Source: CNA)
