NEW YORK – President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides arrived in New York ahead of the United Nations General Assembly and served as the keynote speaker on September 22 at the ‘Panomogeniaki’ Meeting, an event which also commemorated the 50th dark anniversary of the illegal Turkish invasion and occupation of Cyprus.

Hosted by the Federation of Cypriot American Organizations (FCAO), the International Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA), the Order of AHEPA, and the Cyprus-U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the free event was held at Terrace on the Park in Corona, NY, and was well-attended by community members.

FCAO President Kyriacos Papastylianou gave the welcoming remarks, thanking the President of Cyprus, the dignitaries, and all those present for attending. He wished President Christodoulides and the Cypriot delegation all the best in their meetings during UN Week and that this trip to New York will have positive results for Cyprus.

Papastylianou noted the dark 50th anniversary and introduced a short film on the illegal invasion and occupation of Cyprus which included archival footage from the 1974 as well as excerpts from President Christodoulides’ past speeches at the UN and the European Parliament. The video is available on YouTube:https://shorturl.at/x72Gk.

Papastylianou noted that Hellenism must be united in the struggle for Cyprus and then introduced PSEKA President Philip Christopher to say a few words.

“Our community is united,” Christopher said, mentioning the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York, AHEPA, and the Chian Federation among those present. “All the federations are here, united with our efforts in Washington,” he continued. “It’s a time that we are very proud to be Greek-Americans, the United States of America has the best relationship with Greece and with Cyprus and we will move forward.”

AHEPA Supreme President Savas Tsivicos also welcomed Christodoulides, noting that AHEPA and the community is by his side in the struggle for a free Cyprus and wished him the best at the UN.

Cyprus-U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Maria Pappas in her remarks thanked President Christodoulides for attending and said “on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, we are here to help you in your mission for Cyprus… we wish you much success this week in all your meetings at the UN.”

President Christodoulides then gave his remarks, observing that each time he visits the Omogenia in the United States it is a joy and also a moving experience. He pointed out that he had the pleasure of meeting many of those present at the events this summer in Cyprus at the 2024 World Conference of Diaspora Cypriots and the AHEPA Convention which was held for the first time in Cyprus. Christodoulides noted that it was an honor to attend this first of its kind meeting, the ‘Panomogeniaki’ meeting, and looked forward to future events such as this one. He said it was a unique opportunity to not only meet with friends but also to speak openly and honestly together about thoughts and concerns related to the homeland. This unique opportunity to speak with you, the individuals who, without a bit of hyperbole, keep alive, in every corner of the world, the vision and goal of the liberation and unification of our homeland, Christodoulides said. With deeds and not words, the Cypriots abroad are the most worthy ambassadors of Hellenism in general and of our special homeland which you honor consistently with your efforts and everyday lives, he noted, adding that these are not slogans, but that all the efforts of the community over the years are driving toward liberation, unification, and a better future for our homeland.

Among those present were classmates of Christodoulides who had traveled with him from Cyprus to the U.S. for their studies and though they remained in the U.S. and he returned to Cyprus, they remained friends, following his career up to the present and their ties continue to grow stronger as they are united in the work and love for Cyprus.

The Diaspora, he noted, regardless of politics and political party affiliations, is the strongest ally in the efforts for Cyprus.

Christodoulides pointed out that the gatherings in Cyprus this summer had a bittersweet aspect due to the tragic 50th anniversary of the invasion and occupation of Cyprus which many present had personal experience of, and the occupation continues with people still missing and trapped. Everything that happened in 1974 and continues to the present day, continue to hold back Cyprus and the progress of its people. He noted that the Cypriots living abroad feel it perhaps even more than those in Cyprus, the longing to return home. The President also noted that having attended many commemoration events in Greece, the UK, and the U.S., even after 50 years since the tragic events, Hellenism as a whole still has strong values and it is significant that Hellenism in the effort for the liberation of Cyprus is united.

The President also spoke about the fact that Cyprus is not only the “Cyprus problem” and highlighted Cyprus’ efforts delivering aid to Gaza which received positive coverage in the media internationally.

A reception followed Christodoulides’ remarks during which attendees had the opportunity to meet with the President, many wishing him all the best during UN Week.

Among those present were Cyprus’ Minister of Foreign Affairs Constantinos Kombos, Ambassador of Cyprus to the U.S. Evangelos Savva, Permanent Representative of Cyprus to the UN Maria Michail, Consul General of Cyprus in New York Michalis Firillas, and His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros.