The President of the Republic, Mr Nicos Anastasiades,
sent today a message of condolence to the President of South Africa, Mr Jacob
Zuma, for the passing away of former President of South Africa and Nobel Peace
Prize laureate, Nelson Mandela.
In his message of condolence the President of the
Republic stated the following:
“It is with the most profound sorrow that we received the sad news of the
passing away of Nelson Mandela, the former President, Nobel Peace Prize
laureate and symbol of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa; the father
of the South African nation and a monumental figure of the 20th
century.
In these very difficult times, we stand in full solidarity with the
friendly Government and people of South Africa.
President Nelson Mandela dedicated his life and work to the struggle for
human dignity, equality and democracy. His successful contribution to ending
apartheid in his country and creating a new democratic South Africa based on
the rule of law, freedom of speech, and free and fair elections is the gift he
offered to his people and to the whole of humanity.
Despite suffering imprisonment for 27 years, he approached his former
enemies with an admirable lack of bitterness, with forgiveness, generosity,
charm, integrity, pragmatism and respect. With his charismatic personality, he
achieved the historically rare feat of uniting a fiercely divided country. He
was a symbol of a commitment to forgive his enemies in order to promote
reconciliation, which he considered imperative to creating a prosperous country
for the benefit of all its citizens.
Cyprus, which is still facing the consequences of foreign military invasion
and occupation, as well as violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms,
shall always honour his great
legacy and remember him with deep affection and admiration.
On behalf of the people and Government of Cyprus, as well as on my own
behalf, I wish to convey to you and to the bereaved family our most sincere
condolences and heartfelt sympathy for this great loss.
May his memory be eternal.”
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