SAE U.S.A - World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE)

Press Conference of the Presidents of PSEKA, POMAK and NEPOMAK

The presidents of PSEKA, POMAK and NEPOMAK, Mr. Phillip Christopher, Mr. Harry Sophokleides and Mr. Christos Karaolis, expressed their contentment with regards to the excellent execution of all proceedings of the 16th Worldwide Conference of Oversea Cypriots, the Members of the SAE Directorate, and the support provided by organizations of the Diaspora towards the Cypriot Government’s struggle for a just settlement of the Cypriot national issues.

They specifically referred to the briefings made on the latest developments on the issue regarding the Invasion and Occupation of Cyprus from the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Dimitris Christophias, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Markos Kyprianos and the Government Representative, Mr. Stefanos Stefanou, who, as it was stated, enlightened the Hellenes of the Diaspora on the discussions between the two communities which will hopefully be realized.

 “Our briefings which took place, were of extreme importance and use for us, especially in this difficult phase that the Cypriot issue is going through. On our side, as Leaders from abroad, we will do whatever is possible to ensure a better future for our homeland” emphasized the President of POMAK, Mr. Harry Sophokleides. He also noted that there is a need for promotion of the common aims, from all political parties of Cyprus, whilst he placed emphasis on the constant efforts which are being carried out by the organization for the new generation of Oversea Cypriots, in all continents.

The statements made by the President of PSEKA, Mr. Phillip Christopher were also on the same wavelength.

“We were all regenerated and we are leaving this conference with optimism. We must hope, in order to be lead to the desirable resolution.” Emphasized Mr. Christopher by expressing his contentment from the fact that the present Cypriot Government recognizes more than any other previous governments, the need to perform coordinated promotion and raise awareness, on an international basis, of the Cypriot issue and he stated that more funds should be allocated towards this cause.

The international public opinion should be constantly reminded of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus and its illegal occupation, and for this reason we consider it essential to take advantage of US Think Tanks as well as the Academic Sector”, noted Mr. Christopher, among others.

When he was asked what we should expect from the new US Government on the national issue, Mr. Christopher mentioned that the differentiation of the US President Mr. Barrack Obama, Vice President John Biden and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hillary Clinton, is of extreme importance.

“On the meetings we have had up to now, they apologized to us for previous mistakes of the US Government, in its efforts to force the Anan Plan. This alone is quite satisfying to know, as well as the promise that they will support a settlement that will come from both communities, without any external pressures and exhausting time frames” stated Mr. Christopher. He also expressed his hope that the US Government will put pressure on Turkey for the promotion of a resolution, which will be taking into account all equal rights of Cypriot citizens. He also mentioned that, in every announcement of the US Minister of Foreign Affairs, the stance of the Republic of Cyprus is recognized.

In the near future, the aim of all organizations of the Diaspora is to organize events abroad, which will promote and raise awareness on the national issue, by emphasizing on the violation of human rights by the Turkish government, which is currently a candidate for the EU.

On his side, the President of NEPOMAK, Mr. Christos Karaolis, made reference to the programmes which will be carried out by the organization for oversea Cypriot youths. Within the framework of the conference, meetings were carried out with SAE Youth Representatives, during which discussions were made on how to strengthen the existing cooperation between the two organizations, on a worldwide basis.

The leaders of the organizations of Oversea Cypriots thanked deeply Mr. Stefanos Tamvakis for his presence, and all members of the Directorate for being present at the Conference and they emphasized on the important decisions which were taken for further cooperation on the promotion of the Cypriot national issue. Among others, it was decided, to begin a gradual creation of PSEKA organizations in European and African countries.

Warm regards were also expressed to the Director of the Cyprus foreign ministry Division of Overseas and Repatriated Cypriots Ambassador Charalambos Ioannidis, for his support and his work for the past years and they wished success to his successor Ambassador Antonis Toumazis. In the press conference, the Press Counsellor of the Cypriot Press Department Mr. Miltos Miltiades was also thanked for his work.