“I’m moved and pleased to, once again be among the people who, for years, have been keeping the Cyprus issue alive, despite the challenges and without personal ambition” – H.E. President Nicos Anastasiades.

• President Anastasiades highlighted the success of Cyprus’ multidimensional foreign policy, as evidenced by the condemnation of Turkey’s actions in the Joint Communiqué of the Commonwealth Summit
• National Federation President, Christos Karaolis, emphasised that the Federation unites the community and its leaders under one party – Cyprus. He also reaffirmed the community’s support for the President’s efforts towards the reunification of Cyprus.

On Friday 20 April, H.E. the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, addressed a full house of representatives from the member organisations of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK, at the conclusion of his visit to London for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting.

Speaking to a full house, the President praised the work of the UK Cypriot diaspora saying “I’m moved and pleased to, once again be among the people who, for years, have been keeping the Cyprus issue alive, despite the challenges and without personal ambition. And this is very important for Cyprus because it is through these actions and interventions, that there is often a decisive difference in British foreign policy”

The President went on to say that the excellent relations that Cyprus maintains with Europe, USA, UK, the Middle East, Arabic states, Russia and elsewhere are part of a successful multidimensional foreign policy, as shown by the international condemnation of Turkey’s unlawful actions against Cyprus, for example in the Joint Communiqué from the leaders Commonwealth states.

Federation President, Christos Karaolis, expressed the support of the UK Cypriot community for the President’s efforts to reunify Cyprus and said that, “the Federation and the community will stand by the government’s side, ready to assist in our collective mission to deliver what all Cypriots want – a free, united Cyprus.” He said that the community will continue to work for a solution “that is in line with UN resolutions, the High-Level Agreements, and EU and international law; that removes Turkish troops from the island, abolishes the anachronistic system of guarantees and respects the human rights of all Cypriots.”Mr Karaolis went onto praise the success of the cross-party and cross-community unity that exists under the Federation’s umbrella, highlighting the recent campaign over Turkey’s illegal actions in Cyprus’ EEZ in which nearly 3,000 emails/letters were sent to the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in 2 weeks. Statements were received from the Government, Labour Party, as well as MPs from the Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat parties. He said that the Federation will continue to work with the British Government and Opposition political parties, individual parliamentarians, as well as other diaspora communities to advocate for the interests of the UK Cypriot diaspora and promote the just cause of Cyprus.

Mr Karaolis also praised the diversity, achievements and successes of the UK Cypriot diaspora. He went on to extend a special welcome to some of the prominent UK Cypriots present, including: Archbishop Gregorios, Andria Zafirakou, Len Lazari, Constantin Cotzias, Katerina Mina and the Very Reverend Protopresbyter George Zafirakos. In closing, Mr Karaolis urged the community to once again make its voice heard in the local elections on 3rd May by supporting and voting for all Cypriot candidates, irrespective of political party.Among the distinguished guests at the event were Archbishop Gregorios of Thyateira and Great Britain; the Foreign Minister of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides; the Government Spokesperson of Cyprus, Prodromos Prodromou; the High Commissioner for Cyprus Euripides Evriviades; the Ambassador of Greece, Demetrios Caramitsos-Tziras; members of the Cyprus High Commission; the President of POMAK (World Federation of Overseas Cypriots), Andreas Papaevripides; the President of NEPOMAK UK (the UK Branch of the World Federation of Young Overseas Cypriots), Harry Charalambous; former Federation President, Peter Droussiotis; Councillor Jason Charalambous; and Presidents and Committee Members of Federation member associations.