Three-day mourning declared for death of Education Minister

The Cabinet declared a three-day mourning period in memory of the late Minister of Education and Culture Pefkios Georgiades, who died on Wednesday of a heart attack.
An extraordinary Cabinet meeting, convened today by President Tassos Papadopoulos, also decided to fly the national flag at half mast during the mourning at all schools and government departments and to recommend that ministers and other high ranking civil servants refrain from functions to celebrate various events.
One of new schools will be given the name of the late minister, whom today’s dailies described as the minister with a smile and a big heart.
Georgiades’ funeral will be officiated today by the primate of the Church of Cyprus Archbishop Chrysostomos B’, at the cost of the state, and in the presence of the President of the Republic.
Today all schools will remain closed and a condolences book will open today and tomorrow at the Ministry.
During the Cabinet meeting, President Papadopoulos referred to the personality of his late associate and friend, his visions and contribution to educational reforms, noting his zeal for work.
The Minister of Interior Neoklis Sylikiotis will be Acting Minister of Education and Culture.
Government Spokesman Christodoulos Pashiardes will deliver the oration at the funeral, which takes place in early afternoon.