24/06/2019 09:43
The Cabinet declared on Saturday national mourning until Tuesday, when former President Demetris Christofias’ funeral will take place, at public expense.
The Cabinet met today for an extraordinary meeting under the chairmanship of President Nicos Anastasiades and decided that the funeral of the former President and AKEL leader, who died on Friday aged 72, will take place on 25 June at the Holy Church of God’s Wisdom, in Strovolos, at 1700 local time.
Government Spokesman Prodromos Prodromou told reporters after the meeting that the Cabinet decided to declare national mourning until the day of the funeral and to declare Tuesday a public holiday.
Flags will be flying at half mast on all government buildings and schools.
A book of condolences will be opened at the Presidential Palace for diplomats and politicians to sign. Books of condolences will also be available at Cyprus’ embassies abroad.
Prodromou said that the President of the Republic and the Cabinet will attend the funeral and during the days of mourning all official events will be postponed.
Christofias death was announced by his doctor, Michail Minas, who said the former President who had been hospitalised for weeks, died at 05:36pm local time at the Nicosia General Hospital. He had developed severe pneumological complications, which worsened over the past few days.