the late President of the
Republic Glafcos Clerides
Statements
by the Government Spokesman
The Acting President of the Republic, Mr Yiannakis Omirou,
presided today over a special meeting of the Council of Ministers, at the
Presidential Palace, concerning the late former President of the Republic
Glafcos Clerides who passed away yesterday.
After the deliberations of the Council of Ministers, the
Government Spokesman, Mr Christos Stylianides, in his statements to the Press,
announced the following:
“The Council decided:
-
That the funeral of the
former President of the Republic Glafcos Clerides takes place with honours
appropriate for a seating President.
-
To declare a public
mourning from 16 November 2013 until 19 November 2013. During the mourning
period the flags at all public buildings and the schools will fly at half-mast.
-
That the day of
the funeral, Tuesday 19 November 2013, is declared as a public holiday.
-
That the remains
of the unforgettable Glafcos Clerides be displayed for public view on Monday 18
November from 9:00 to 17:00, at the Church of Holy Wisdom (Ayia Sofia), in
Strovolos.
-
To open a book
of condolence at the Presidential Palace for signing by Members of the Diplomatic Corps and State Officials.
-
To open books of
condolence in all the Diplomatic Missions of the Republic of Cyprus.
-
To approve the
following text that will be entered into the book of condolence that will be
available to be signed for the deceased former President: “With deep sorrow we
bid farewell to the former President of the Republic of Cyprus Glafcos Clerides
and we honor his contribution to his homeland Cyprus from the front lines as
Member of Parliament, President of Parliament, Minister, Interlocutor and
President of the Republic. We also honor him for his participation in the
struggle of the free world on the side of the Allies against fascism and
nazism.”
-
That the
President of the Republic, and the members of the Council of Ministers, the
Under Secretary to the President and the Government Spokesman sign the book of
condolence.
-
That the
President of the Republic and the entire Council of Ministers attend the
funeral, which will take place at public expense at the Church of Ayia Sofia,
in Strovolos, on Tuesday, 19 November 2013, at 11:00 am.
-
That during the
period of public mourning, all official events, along with the participation of
members of the Government and the officials of the State in public events are
postponed.”
In response to a question, Mr Stylianides said that the eulogy
will be delivered by the President of the Republic, noting that this is the
wish of the family of the late President and of the Council of Ministers.
Invited to say a few words on the course of the political life and
the personality of Glafcos Clerides, Mr Stylianides said that “he was always
against exaggeration,” adding that “he was a man that was not only a great
political leader of international stature, but also a rare human being. In Glafcos
Clerides one could see, in addition to his political perspicacity and strategic
mind with regard to great political choices, a boundless integrity and
self-respect, and a unique ethical character. He guided all of us who were
close to him not with words but through his personal example.”
______________
