Overseas Cypriots conference opens in Nicosia

The 9th World Conference of Young Overseas Cypriots (NEPOMAK) and the Meeting of the Central Councils of the World Federation of Overseas Cypriots (POMAK) and the International Coordinating Committee “Justice for Cyprus” (PSEKA) opened on Wednesday in Nicosia, in the presence of President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades.

In his address at the opening ceremony, House President Demetris Syllouris praised the role of overseas Cypriots for freedom and peace and said that since the 1974 Turkish invasion, overseas Cypriots have always stood by Cyprus. He said “your support and help is valuable and multidimensional, and this is because your ties with Cyprus have not weakened, on the contrary, they have been strengthened and have gained more momentum,” adding that the role of the diaspora is also to promote Cyprus as an attractive destination for investment, thus contributing to the country`s efforts for further economic growth and progress.

Syllouris noted that this year’s conferences find Cyprus still violently divided and Greece being ravaged by the devastating fires which have left behind them many fatalities, injured and missing persons. The Speaker expressed Cyprus’ sorrow as well as unwavering support for the great tribulations and difficulties the Greek people are facing as a result of the conflagration.

Addressing the conference, Presidential Commissioner Photis Photiou began his speech by expressing Cyprus` solidarity to Greece which has to deal with the deadly fires that hit the country. He also said that over the past two years, important actions have been implemented in the framework of the National Strategy for expatriates. As he pointed out, further upgrade of the already close cooperation with Greece was the backbone of the national strategy. He added that they developed priorities and objectives as well as cooperation in diaspora issues, both bilaterally and at trilateral level with other countries.

“We have promoted concrete actions to exploit the potential of Hellenism to promote its wider interests, while at the same time we focused on our new generation of expatriates in order to help them retain their national identity.” He also said that multilevel cooperation with friendly countries had been enhanced, especially with countries that had organized strong lobbying abroad, such as Jewish and Armenian communities. He announced that a major event is scheduled to take place in Paris with the participation of the three diasporas, in the framework of the tripartite co-operation among Cyprus, Greece and Armenia.

In his address, Greek Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Overseas Greeks Terence Quick thanked Cyprus for the financial aid in support of the people affected by the deadly fires that hit Greece, leaving behind many dead and scores wounded. Referring to the Cyprus problem, he expressed once again Greece`s firm support for a just solution on the island, noting that there can be no solution unless the last Turkish soldier leaves the island and the anachronistic system of guarantees is abolished.

He also referred to the presence at the conference of the Minister of Diaspora Affairs of Armenia Mkhitar Hayrapetyan and the Egyptian Minister of Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates` Affairs Nabila Makram, saying that they both wish that help reaches Greece from around the world to help those affected by the blaze.

POMAK President Andreas Papaevripides expressed his sorrow for the tragedy that hit Greece and the solidarity of the overseas Cypriots towards the Greek people. The Cypriots of the diaspora, he said, will never accept the fact that Cyprus is divided and occupied by Turkish troops. He pledged that they will do their utmost so that a solution is achieved on the island. Top priority of the diaspora, he added, is the national problem of Cyprus, which has been divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion.

PSEKA President Philip Christopher said that they have invited Turkish Cypriots to Washington DC who in their meetings with  Congressmen and Senators asked for their support to free Cyprus of Turkey’s occupation.  He stressed that Turkey is not ready to give up control of the occupied area of Cyprus and that it is Ankara and not the Turkish Cypriot leadership that controls the Cyprus negotiations. Christopher said that the diaspora owes an apology to the Greek Cypriots for not being able to contribute enough to liberate Cyprus of Turkey’s occupation, but assured that  `we wake up every morning with Cyprus in our minds and we go to sleep at night thinking about Cyprus and our passion and dedication is as strong as ever.”

Outgoing NEPOMAK President Antonia Michaelides said that the achievements of NEPOMAK have been recognized even outside their community, adding that “we are proud of our efforts in raising awareness of the Cyprus problem globally and remain committed to inspire the younger generations to continue to push for a just and peaceful solution in Cyprus”. She pointed out that NEPOMAK’s impact on the lives of young Cypriots by allowing them to reengage with their roots and contribute positively to their community “fosters a passion for our homeland which we hope will safeguard the survival of the Cypriot diaspora for many generations to come”.

President of the Cyprus Youth Board Panayiotis Sentonas said that the youth of the diaspora is the best ambassador of Cyprus. He also referred to the programmes running regarding young overseas Cypriots covering the age range of 23-30. He pointed out that a programme should also run covering the ages 12-17.

During the course of the conferences, the delegates will be briefed in closed sessions by the Ministers of Energy, Foreign Affairs, and Finance, Yiorgos Lakkotrypis, Nikos Christodoulides and Harris Georgiades respectively, and Greek Cypriot negotiator Andreas Mavroyiannis. They will also hold a round table discussion with foreign ambassadors.

On the sidelines of the conferences, there will be meetings with President Anastasiades and political party leaders or representatives, among other speakers, will address the meeting.