TRIBUTES CONTINUED to pour in from around the world yesterday following the death of former President Tassos Papadopoulos on Friday.
Papadopoulos lost his long battle with lung cancer at 74, after being hospitalised on November 22.
Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis will arrive on the island tomorrow to attend the funeral, accompanied by Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyiannis, according to a press release issued by the Prime Minister’s office.
The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) expressed its deepest sorrow at the death of the former President. An announcement released by AHI described the late President as “an intense man who was bound by his principles and love for his country, and therefore, never allowed himself to have these guiding beacons compromised for the sake of political expediency. For this, the people of Cyprus should be grateful.”
In letters sent to Christofias and the family of the deceased, the Archbishop of America Demetrios said Papadopoulos was a bright, dynamic and prudent national leader, who dedicated his whole life to the struggle for the international promotion and just solution of the Cyprus problem.
Archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain Gregorios, along with leaders of the Cypriot community in Britain and overseas Cypriots also expressed their profound grief over the death of the former President.
US Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) described Papadopoulos as a historic figure for the Greek Cypriots who served them with passion and dedication throughout his life. “The loss of a beloved leader is a tragic moment for any community. President Papadopoulos’ commitment and bravery will be remembered for generations both in Cyprus and around the world,” said Menendez in a written statement.
The government declared a three-day official mourning to mark his death until Monday, when Papadopoulos will be laid to rest. Tomorrow has been declared a public holiday with all schools and public services closed and official events cancelled.
All flags are flying at half mast while a book of condolences will be opened at the Foreign Ministry tomorrow by President Demetris Christofias and at Cypriot embassies abroad.
The book of condolences will be open for the public from 1pm to 5pm and on Tuesday from 9am till 5pm.
The funeral will take place at Saint Sophia church in Nicosia tomorrow morning from 8.30am till 1030am.
Honorary President of socialist party EDEK, Vassos Lyssarides, will read the funeral oration. President Christofias, Archbishop Chrysostomos, House President Marios Garoyian, Christodoulos Pashiardis on behalf of friends of the deceased and Anastasia Papadopoulou on behalf of his family will read valedictory speeches.
Tassos Papadopoulos will be buried at the cemetery in Deftera village, near Nicosia.
The bereaved family requests that, instead of wreaths, donations be made to the Red Cross, the Intensive Care Forum and the Patient Welfare Council of the Makarios Hospital.
