Cyprus is in three day mourning after the death of former president Tasos Papadopoulos on midday Friday. Tasos Papadopoulos had different types of cancer and since November 22nd has been hospitalized in the emergency room in the Central Nicosia hospital. During the mourning, the national flag on all public buildings and schools in Cyprus will be half lowered. Condolences books will be opened in the Cyprian Foreign Ministry as well as in all embassies in aborad and in the country.

Tasos Papadopoulos was president of Cyprus between 2003 and 2008 and will remain in history as the biggest opponent of the Anan plan for unifying the island. He has been elected for a parliament member, chairman of the Cyprian parliament, Negotiations Minister with the EU, and president of the country. His political views were nationalistic and uncompromising when it came to the Northern part of the island. His biggest merit is the acceptance of Cyprus into the European Union without having a decision on the political division of the island.

The funeral of Tasos Papadopoulos will take place on Monday, December 15th, which is declared an official non-working day. The requiem will be served by the archbishop of Cyprus, Hrisostomos. Present will be the president of Cyprus Dimitris Hristofias and all Cyprian parliament members.