Political leadership expresses sorrow over Michaelides’ death

Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos has expressed deep sorrow for the death of former Foreign Minister and former House President Alecos Michaelides, who passed away Sunday morning.

Papadopoulos, who signed the condolences book opened today at the House of Representatives, said that he cooperated for many years with Michaelides who had served his country faithfully.

“Alecos Michaelides has contributed in a decisive manner to the hard, long and collective effort for Cyprus’ accession to the European Union,” he wrote in the book.

House President Demetris Christofias, who also signed the condolences book, described Michaelides’ death as a great loss for Cyprus’ political life.

Christofias said that Michaelides, who served as House President from 1977 until 1981, was very active and acted with consensus with all the political powers, during a very difficult period, just after the Turkish invasion of the island in 1974, to help the wounds of this tragedy heal and to promote the Cyprus question as a problem of invasion, occupation and violation of the international law.

His efforts were unfailing and his appointment later on as Foreign Minister of the Republic was really decisive as regards Cyprus’ accession to the EU, Christofias added.

Political parties and other organisations have also expressed sincere sorrow for Michaelides’ death.

His funeral will take place here Tuesday.