Spyros Kyprianou Facts for Kids

This page is about a president of Cyprus. For the indoor sports hall, see Spyros Kyprianou Arena.

Quick facts for kids Spyros Kyprianou Σπύρος Κυπριανού
Kyprianou at the UN in 1978

2nd President of Cyprus
In office 3 September 1977 – 28 February 1988
Preceded by	Makarios III
Succeeded by	George Vassiliou
3rd and 8th President of the House of Representatives
In office June 1996 – 2001
Preceded by	Alexis Galanos
Succeeded by	Demetris Christofias
In office June 1976 – 1977
Preceded by	Tassos Papadopoulos
Succeeded by	Alekos Michaelides
1st President of DIKO
In office 1976–2000
Succeeded by	Tassos Papadopoulos

Personal details
Born	(1932-10-28)28 October 1932 Limassol, Cyprus
Died	12 March 2002(2002-03-12) (aged 69) Nicosia, Cyprus
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Mimi Pagathrokliton (1956–2002; his death)
Children	Markos Kyprianou
Alma mater	City of London College Gray's Inn
Signature

Spyros Achilleos Kyprianou (Greek: Σπύρος Κυπριανού; 28 October 1932 – 12 March 2002) was an important politician and lawyer in modern Cyprus. He served as the second president of Cyprus from 1977 to 1988.

A street in Nicosia, called Spyrou Kyprianou Avenue, was named after him. Many other streets across the island also carry his name.

Early Life and Education
Political Journey
- Working for Cyprus on the World Stage
- Becoming President
Family Life
Passing Away
Awards and Honors
See also

Early Life and Education

Spyros Kyprianou was born in Limassol, Cyprus, in 1932. He studied Economics and Business at the City of London College. He also studied law at Gray's Inn, a famous place for lawyers in London. He earned a special diploma in comparative law.

Political Journey

While he was a student in London, Spyros Kyprianou started the National Union of Cypriot Students in England. He was its first president. In 1952, he became the secretary for Archbishop Makarios III in London. Makarios III was the leader of the Greek Cypriot community.

In 1954, Kyprianou took charge of the Cyprus Ethnarchy Office in London. This office worked to tell the British public about the situation in Cyprus. This effort became even more important when the fight for freedom in Cyprus began in 1955. Because of his work, he had to leave the UK in 1956 and went to Greece. There, he worked with a group that aimed to make the world more aware of Cyprus's struggle.

From 1956 to 1957, Kyprianou represented Cyprus in New York. Later, he was allowed to return to his job in London. He stayed there until Cyprus gained its independence. He returned to Cyprus with Archbishop Makarios in 1959.

After Cyprus became independent in 1960, Archbishop Makarios, who was now the President, made Kyprianou the Minister of Justice. A few days later, he became the Minister of Foreign Affairs. This meant he was in charge of Cyprus's relationships with other countries.

Working for Cyprus on the World Stage

As Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kyprianou often represented Cyprus at the United Nations Security Council and the U.N. General Assembly. He spoke about the issues facing Cyprus. He also took part in meetings of the Council of Europe, even serving as its Chairman for a few months. He traveled to many countries and talked with foreign governments.

In 1964, he signed an agreement in Moscow for the Soviet Union to provide military help to Cyprus. He left his job as Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1972 due to a disagreement with the government in Athens.

After leaving his minister role, he worked as a lawyer. In 1974, after a difficult time in Cyprus, Kyprianou went to Athens and London to meet with leaders. In September 1974, he led the Cyprus team at the United Nations General Assembly to discuss Cyprus.

Becoming President

On 12 May 1976, Spyros Kyprianou announced that he was starting a new political group called the Democratic Party. In the elections that year, his party won many seats in the House of Representatives. Kyprianou was then elected President of the House.

After Archbishop Makarios passed away in August 1977, Kyprianou became the temporary President of Cyprus. This was according to the country's rules. On 3 September 1977, he was officially elected President to finish Makarios's term.

Kyprianou's older son, Achilles, was kidnapped in December 1977. He was released a few days later.

Kyprianou was re-elected as President in 1978 and 1983. In 1978, he was the only candidate. He lost the election in 1988 to George Vassiliou.

As President, he traveled to many countries. He also attended important meetings of the Non-Aligned Movement and the Commonwealth of Nations. These groups bring together countries from around the world.

Spyros Kyprianou received many awards and honors from different countries. In 1985, the University of Belgrade gave him an honorary doctorate degree.

After the elections in 1996, Kyprianou was again elected President of the House of Representatives. He retired from politics in 2001, after a career that lasted 30 years.

Family Life

Spyros Kyprianou married Mimi Pagathrokliton in 1956. They had two sons, Achilleas and Markos. His second son, Markos Kyprianou, also became an important politician. He served as a European Commissioner and as Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus.

Passing Away

Spyros Kyprianou passed away on 12 March 2002, after a long illness. He was survived by his wife, Mimi Pagathrokliton, and their two sons. His wife, Mimi Kyprianou, passed away later in 2021.