Spyros Kyprianou

Spyros Achilleos Kyprianou (Greek Σπύρος Κυπριανού) (Born Lemesos, Cyprus, October 28, 1932 – March 12, 2002), Cypriot political figure.

In the 1950's, he served as Secretary to Archbishop Makarios III, in London, in charge of public relations and enlightment concerning the Cyprus problem. When the EOKA struggle for liberation from Britain and union with Greece broke out, Kyprianou was ordered to leave Britain. He took up residence in Athens where he became involved with PEKA - the political wing of EOKA. He returned to Cyprus after independence and became the first Cypriot foreign minister 1960-1972. In 1976, he founded of the Democratic Party of Cyprus "ΔΗ.ΚΟ." and in 1977, following the death of Archbishop Makarios III, he became President of Cyprus (1977-1988). He also served as speaker of the Cypriot house of representatives 1976-77, 1996-2001. Kyprianou retired from politics in May 2001 and passed away in 2002 after a long bout with cancer.

Preceded by: Makarios III

President of Cyprus 1977– 1988

Succeeded by: George Vasiliou