Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades on Thursday said the Council of Ministers and he were “crushed” by the death of Labour Minister Zeta Emilianidou, in his message in the Book of Condolence for the Minister, who passed away on Monday, after having suffered a brain aneurysm a few weeks ago.

The President, accompanied by the members of the Council of Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Commissioners, and other officials, signed the Book of Condolence for Emilianidou, at the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance.

According to a presidency press release, President Anastasiades wrote in his message, that both he and the entire Council of Ministers, were “crushed by the loss of our beloved Zeta, the Minister of Labour and Social Insurance.”

In his message the President says Emilianidou had, for over nine years, “graced with her presence” the country’s political system.

He added that this was not just a loss for the government, but also for the country, society and the people.

The message also notes that the President's vision for a strong welfare state would not have been possible without the personal touch of Zeta Emilianidou. It adds that the Minister was distinguished by her insight, high sense of responsibility, creativity and efficiency.

Above all, however, it adds, her personality’s main characteristic were empathy, modesty and humanity.

"We will keep your memory alive forever, our beloved Zeta,” concludes the message of President Anastasiades.