President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades and the Government express their deep sorrow for the passing of John Brademas, a great friend of Cyprus, a distinguished American politician, legislator and educator, as well as a towering figure of the Hellenic diaspora, a statement by the Presidency issued on Thursday says. The Government expresses its sincere condolences to the family of John Brademas for their great loss.
John Brademas, the statement reads, who was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III of the Republic of Cyprus, served for many years as a member and Majority Whip in the House of Representatives of the United States of America, where he distinguished himself for his ethos and his important federal legislative accomplishments, especially in the fields of education, the arts and the humanities.
He was an intellectual force on the American political scene with particular dedication to the ideals of Democracy, Freedom and the Rule of Law, both with regard to domestic governance as well as in international relations, the Government says.
In the statement, the Cyprus Presidency also points out that Brademas worked tirelessly and continuously for the liberation and reunification of Cyprus throughout his tenure in Congress and, later on in his other capacities, he undertook various initiatives for the benefit of the people of Cyprus. “His work contributed greatly in developing and nurturing closer bonds between the people of Cyprus and the people of the United States of America”, the statement says.
“John Brademas distinguished himself as a significant personality in the political and education fields, gaining international respect and recognition. He was, at the same time, a great leader of Hellenism, something which he never ceased to promote, to serve with special sensitivity and pride, and to support persistently its just causes”, the Presidency says.