Glafcos Clerides

Glafcos Ioannou Clerides (; 24 April 1919 – 15 November 2013) was a Greek-Cypriot politician. He was the fourth President of Cyprus. He was the oldest living former President of the Republic of Cyprus at the time of his death.

Early life
Clerides was born on 24 April 1919 in Nicosia, Cyprus. He studied at the King's College London in London, England.

During World War II, he served in the British Royal Air Force. In 1942 his airplane was shot down over Germany and he was captured. He remained a prisoner of war until the end of the war.Profile: Glafcos Clerides His name was mentioned in dispatches for distinguished services. Clerides was also one of the last European leaders who saw active service in World War II.

Career
He was the acting President of Cyprus 7 December 1974, the day of the return of Archbishop Makarios, President of the Republic, who was forced to flee on 16 July 1974.

From 1961 to 1963 he held the position of President of the Cyprus Red Cross. In recognition of his outstanding services he was awarded a Certificate of Honour and Life Membership in recognition of distinguished services to the Red Cross.

In 1976 he founded the right wing Democratic Rally (Demokratikos Synagermos). He was a candidate for the presidency of Cyprus six times and elected to two five-year terms, in 1993 and in 1998. In 1998 his main opponent was Georgios Iakovou. He was defeated in the 2003 presidential election by Tassos Papadopoulos.

During his presidency, Clerides helped his country of Cyprus to become part of the European Union.

Personal life
Clerides was the eldest son of lawyer and statesman Ioannis Clerides. Clerides was married to Lila-Irene. They have a daughter, Katherine, who is a member of the House of the Representatives for the Democratic Rally Party.BBC Profile: Glafcos Clerides

Death
Clerides died on 15 November 2013 from unexplained causes in hospital in Nicosia, Cyprus.Glafcos Clerides: Man who steered Cyprus into EU dies Before his death, Clerides suffered many health issues. He was 94 years old.

References

Other websites
Official web site of Democratic Rally
Biography (Greek)
 Cyprus Elections & Politics

Category:1919 births
Category:2013 deaths
Category:Nicosia
Category:Presidents of Cyprus
Category:Presidents of the House of Representatives (Cyprus)