Cypriots pay tribute to former President Clerides

Crowds flocked from early Monday morning to the Holy Church of God’s Wisdom in Nicosia to pay tribute to former Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides, who lies in state from 0900 to 1700 local time (0700 0 1500 GMT).

Clerides` body was taken to the church at approximately 08.30, as army and police officers stood in silence as a guard of honour. The Ministers of Justice Ionas Nicolaou, Communications Tasos Mitsopoulos, Defence Photis Photiou and former Undersecretary to the President and close associate to Glafcos Clerides Pantelis Kouros were among the hundreds of people who were there to say the last farewell.

His coffin was draped with the flags of the Republic of Cyprus and the Hellenic Republic.

Bishop of Karpasia Christophoros officiated a service.

President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades and the entire Council of Ministers paid their respects after having signed the book of condolences, which opened at the Presidential Palace.

Former Ministers of Labour Andreas Mousioutas and Commerce Kyriakos Christofi who had served during Clerides’ term in office were also at the church.

Protoporia movement, students’ branch of DISY, the party Clerides founded in 1976, also went to the church to pay their respects, expressing sorrow, gratitude and paying tribute to the party founder.

Police and army are taking all the necessary security measures and an ambulance is on site at the church.

Clerides, who passed away, on Friday at the age of 94, had served as President between 1993 and 2003 and oversaw Cyprus’ EU accession course.