Lyssarides’ funeral scheduled for next Wednesday

The funeral of the former leader of Edek Vassos Lyssarides will be held on Wednesday May 5, the party announced on Tuesday.

Lyssarides, a central figure in Cyprus politics since the island’s independence, died on Monday at the age of 100.

The funeral service will be presided over by Archbishop Chrysostomos at the Saint Varnavas church in the old town of Nicosia at 11am.

Born on May 13, 1920, Lyssarides played a crucial role in the events leading up to – and following – Cyprus struggle for independence.

He commanded his own armed group which was to play a significant role in key events, most notably forging a strong alliance with Archbishop Makarios.

Lyssarides also served as Makarios’ personal physician.

The armed group fought against Turkish Cypriots and Turkish officers in Pentadaktylos  during the intercommunal troubles in 1963-1964, and against Eoka B from 1971-1974.

He survived an assassination attempt on August 30, 1974, in which Edek youth leader Doros Loizou was killed.