One of Cyprus’ most respected politicians, Vassos Lyssarides passed away on Monday, at the age of 100.
Born in the village of Lefkara in 1920, he participated in the Greek-Cypriot War of Independence (1955-1959) in collaboration with the National Organisation of Cypriot Fighters (EOKA).
In 1969, he founded the first socialist party in Cyprus, Greek-Cypriot Movement for Social Democracy (EDEK).
He was first elected to parliament in 1960 and held his seat without interruption until 2006. Between 1985-91, he served as Parliament Speaker.
The President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades said the country lost “one of its historic leaders who helped shape its identity.”
“He made his mark on our political life over many decades. We owe him a lot. Above all, however, we owe it to him to fight for a free homeland,” Anastasiades tweeted.
Η Κύπρος έχασε τον Βάσο Λυσσαρίδη, έναν από τους ιστορικούς ηγέτες που καθόρισαν την ταυτότητα της Κυπριακής Δημοκρατίας. Για δεκαετίες σημάδεψε με την δράση του την πολιτική μας ζωή. Του οφείλουμε πολλά. Πάνω από όλα όμως του οφείλουμε να παλέψουμε για μια πατρίδα ελεύθερη. pic.twitter.com/HhXqA4vGPb
— Nicos Anastasiades (@AnastasiadesCY) April 26, 2021
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also expressed his condolences.
In his statement, the Greek PM said that Lyssarides' "century-long life was synonymous to Cyprus' struggle for freedom and democracy."
Mitsotakis added that "friends but also opponents recognise that the smiling 'doctor' was an honourable politician, a cultured and tender man, but also a constant symbol of courage: "I am small", he used to say, "but if I do not take big steps, I will be even smaller"," noted the Greek Prime Minister.
"Greeks, over and above party differences, say goodbye to him with honour and respect," he concluded.
Στον έναν αιώνα της πολυκύμαντης ζωής του, ο Βάσος Λυσσαρίδης ταυτίστηκε με τον αγώνα της Κύπρου για ελευθερία και δημοκρατία. Φίλοι και αντίπαλοι αναγνωρίζουν πως υπήρξε ένας έντιμος πολιτικός αλλά και διαρκές σύμβολο τόλμης. Οι Έλληνες τον αποχαιρετούμε με σεβασμό και τιμή.
— Prime Minister GR (@PrimeministerGR) April 26, 2021
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