CYPRUS: Greek PM pays tribute to legacy of Christofias

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said the memory of former Cyprus president and AKEL leader, Demetris Christofias, who was buried on Tuesday, will always burn bright.

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Tsipras signed a Book of Condolences at the Presidential Palace, accompanied by Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades, with whom he also had a brief meeting.

Tsipras wrote in the Book of Condolences: "Greece honours Demetris Christofias and his great legacy, his struggle for freedom, independence and social justice.

He leaves an indelible mark on the course of the Republic of Cyprus and its people’s struggle for social justice and welfare. His memory will always remain alive in our common struggle to reunite Cyprus and its people on the basis of a just and viable solution."

Tsipras was accompanied by Greek Minister of National Defence Evangelos Apostolakis.

Following the signing, Anastasiades and Tsipras attended Christofias’ funeral at the Holy Church of God`s Wisdom in Strovolos, Nicosia.

Earlier, Tsipras paid a visit to the headquarters of AKEL and was received by its Secretary-General Andros Kyprianou.

Tsipras said that he wanted to pay tribute to a great leader of Cyprus’ Left and a man who dedicated his life to the fight for social justice, progress and for a just and viable Cyprus solution, so that all people of Cyprus, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots may live in peace.

“In the memory of Demetris Christofias, we ought to keep fighting for social justice and for the resolution of the Cyprus problem,” the Greek PM said.

Christofias died last Friday at the age of 72 after suffering serious respiratory problems.