Funeral eulogy by the General Secretary of AKEL A.Kyprianou for comrade Haris Kyriakides
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 25th September 2020, Nicosia
A few hours after the coup d’état was executed on the 15th July 1974, a demonstration set off from Katholiki Square in Limassol, made up mainly of young people shouting as their main slogan “People – resistance until death!” As it made its way in the streets, the demonstration inspired and gave encouragement to every democrat. Many rushed to join the march. The puppets of the armed coupist EOKA B organisation ordered soldiers to open fire over the heads of those participating in the march that split into two parts. A young student stood alone in front of the soldiers. He knelt down, opened his arms and shouted with all his might “Shoot me!”
It was comrade Haris Kyriakides, a medical student in the Soviet Union.
This was our comrade, Haris Kyriakides!
A fighter in words, but also through his actions.
A calm force that did not hesitate at the critical moment to courageously stand up and be counted, making his own humble contribution to the struggles for Democracy and Freedom.
A tireless militant of AKEL who made his life worthwhile because he dedicated it to the struggle for the collective good, for our Homeland, for our People’s Movement.
Haris was born in Limassol in December 1952. As a school student, he became a member of the EDON Youth Organisation. As a student he was always participating in the struggles of the student movement. From his youth, he joined the ranks of AKEL which he honored with his presence and contribution as a militant of the Party, as the Head of the Local Government Bureau of the AKEL Paphos District Organisation, as member of the Health Affairs Bureau of the Central Committee of AKEL, as the Paphos District Secretary of AKEL and as a member of the Political Bureau of the Party. Haris also served Cyprus as a militant of the Pancyprian Peace Council, but also as a Member of the Pancyprian Medical Association. He fully honored the trust shown in him by his comrades and colleagues. He worked hard and tirelessly, with patience, perseverance and in a methodical way to fulfill his duties.
Those who knew him will remember a man with a warm look who cared for others, who lovingly cared for his family, who was always by his comrades and colleagues no matter how many duties he was entrusted with rising through the ranks to the Party leadership.
Haris was a rare person. His face radiated the ethos of those people in whose blood runs the very meaning of life: the love for and serving his fellow human beings. He conveyed the sensitivity and kindness of a man who lived his whole life trying to alleviate human pain.
Our precious comrade,
Beloved Hari,
For years you fought hard against cancer. You confronted it with all your strength and you did not let it defeat you. You worked and struggled. You did not miss an opportunity to watch your beloved team AEL. You made sure you spent quality time with your family, especially with your adorable grandchildren. You sent out a message of life to all those who were also fighting for their lives, an example of strength and endurance. Cancer did not defeat you Hari…you defeated it because you never gave in. Because you fought for years, because you overcame pain, suffering and exhaustion. Because you persisted and lived your life continuing to love and to offer your services.
We bid you farewell beloved comrade.
Your presence will stay with us forever. Engraved in the memory of those who knew you, in the heart of your beloved Iliada and adoring Myria. Your grandchildren will speak with pride about you, about their brave grandfather and about his love that will always embrace them.
Farewell Hari…
Your memory will live on forever!
