Parties united in sorrow

POLITICAL parties on the island yesterday expressed shock and deep sorrow for the untimely death of Greece’s deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Kranditiotis.

Ruling Disy said it was “deeply-shocked” by the tragic death of Cypriot- born Kranidiotis, his son Nicholas and four other people on Wednesday night.

Disy described Kranidiotis, 51, as a “prominent Cypriot who associated his name with Cyprus”. A statement also expressed immense appreciation for his contribution to Cyprus’ bid to become a member of the European Union.

Party leader Nicos Anastassiades, who is Berlin this week, ordered the flags at party headquarters to fly at half mast until the funeral.

Communist party Akel sent a message of condolences to Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis expressing shock and sorrow.

“Yiannis Kranidiotis was a sincere friend, consistent and tireless fighter for Cyprus and Hellenism at large,” said Akel leader Demetris Christofias. Christofias, who is recovering from a kidney transplant, sent a message from London.

Akel also sent messages of condolences to the families of the other four victims.

Diko also issued a statement expressing deep sorrow and added: “Greece has lost an important and wise politician and Cyprus a staunch supporter.”

Diko conveyed deepest condolences to Kranidiotis’ family and the Greek government for the vacuum his death has caused.

Socialist Edek, of whom Kranidiotis was a founding member, said it was greatly distressed by his death.

Edek described Kranidiotis as a “tireless pioneer fighter” for Cyprus and Greece.

“The loss is even greater for Cyprus as he backed to the bitter end Cyprus’ just cause and was one of the architects of Cyprus’ bid to join the European Union,” Edek said.

“We have a duty to continue Kranidiotis’ work for Cyprus Hellenism.”

The United Democrats, New Horizons and the Green party also issued statements expressing shock and sorrow.

The Cyprus Mail is the only English-language daily newspaper published in Cyprus. It was established in 1945 and today, with its popular and widely-read website, the Cyprus Mail is among the most trusted news sites in Cyprus. The newspaper is not affiliated with any political parties and has always striven to maintain its independence. Over the past 70-plus years, the Cyprus Mail, with a small dedicated team, has covered momentous events in Cyprus’ modern history, chronicling the last gasps of British colonial rule, Cyprus’ truncated independence, the coup and Turkish invasion, and the decades of negotiations to stitch the divided island back together, plus a myriad of scandals, murders, and human interests stories that capture the island and its -people. Observers describe it as politically conservative.