Nicosia: Greece's Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis paid an emotional tribute on Saturday to former Cyprus President George Vassiliou, describing him as 'a pragmatist' who helped lay the foundations of modern Cyprus and left an indelible mark on the island's contemporary history.
According to Cyprus News Agency, speaking on behalf of the Hellenic Republic at Vassiliou's state funeral, in Nicosia's Holy Wisdom Church, Gerapetritis praised the late leader's calm temperament, conciliatory spirit, and personal integrity, saying rare virtues coexisted in him, including broad learning and a deeply rooted democratic conscience. Vassiliou, he said, had elevated the art of compromise into a guiding principle and embodied the Aristotelian ideal of moderation 'better than anyone.'
Gerapetritis highlighted Vassiliou's reformist legacy, calling him the leader who 'set the foundations for the Cyprus of the 21st century,' helping build a modern, dynamic state despite the lasting wound of the 1974 invasion. He gave special emphasis to the establishment of the University of Cyprus, describing it as a major milestone in the island's long and distinguished educational tradition.
On the Cyprus problem, the Greek Foreign Minister recalled Vassiliou's steadfast commitment to international law and to engaging the international community. Cyprus, he said, continues Vassiliou's 'just struggle' in full alignment with Greece.
He also underscored Vassiliou's role as head of the negotiating team that led Cyprus into the European Union, describing this contribution as the 'opus magnum' of his public life, possibly more significant even than his presidential term. 'Vassiliou brought this process to completion in exemplary fashion,' Gerapetritis said, noting that Cyprus was technically prepared by the time the political process for accession was concluded.
Closing his address, Gerapetritis spoke of a 'pragmatic patriot' who kept his distance from demagoguery and easy slogans. He referred to Vassiliou's close ties to Greece, including links to Vytina and Mytilene, and conveyed condolences on behalf of the wider Greek world. 'Today Cyprus and all Hellenism bid you farewell as a worthy son,' he said, 'who left an indelible imprint on the island's identity.'