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- Ελληνικά
Tuesday, 22 August 2023, 7.00 p.m, Nicosia
Your Excellency Mr. President of the Republic of Cyprus,
Dear Delegates,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Allow me to begin by referring to an image that personally touched me and captured my attention. The humble dandelion on your invitation, which so eloquently symbolizes and illustrates the dynamics and extensions of Cypriot Hellenism in the diaspora around the world.
Just as this delicate flower scatters so easily in the breeze and yet has the ability to take root and grow everywhere, so too our expatriates are scattered in every corner of the earth and have managed not only to take root but also to flourish in whatever they have taken up.
It is with great pride and emotion that I stand before you today to welcome, as Speaker of the House of Representatives, the opening of the World Congress of Diaspora Cypriots POMAC, WCCA and NEPOMAC. Such an important occasion which makes the heart of our expatriate Cyprus beat again this year here at home, filling us with hope and optimism for the future of the country.
Our expatriates have always been the brightest part of Cypriot Hellenism. People who fought all their lives with tooth and nail, against hardship and poverty, to gradually build a decent life in a new land. People who never abandoned their homeland, even if it was years away, as our Cyprus remains indelibly engraved in their souls and they carry it wherever they go. This selfless love for the homeland they managed to implant in their children and grandchildren, even though they were born and raised in other countries, and as a result, Cypriot Hellenism abroad continues to excel and grow.
It is a fact that the diaspora is an invaluable asset for any country. All the more so for our country. Our expatriates become living bridges between their countries of residence and the homeland, enhancing cultural exchanges, promoting tourism and attracting foreign investment, as Cyprus is promoted abroad as an attractive destination and a model of financial stability. Thanks to you, our Cyprus is growing, acquiring substance and presence in the international arena and has now managed to deservedly earn its place among the developed nations of the world. You are undoubtedly our best ambassadors abroad! Recognise their daily problems and work to solve them. And this is exactly what we are doing as the House of Representatives through the route of parliamentary diplomacy, in our meetings with foreign actors, but also in the promotion of specific legislative initiatives, always in consultation with expatriate organisations.
At the same time, we need more than ever your active participation in the affairs of our country, offering your expertise and connections. The unique dynamics created by Cypriots abroad, as well as the experiences they have gained, can offer innovative ideas, contributing to progress and development in various fields in their home country.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Unfortunately, this year's conference is also taking place in the last divided capital of the world. For almost half a century Turkey has continued to commit crimes against Cyprus, in flagrant violation of Security Council resolutions and international law. In parallel with the occupation and colonization, it continues unabated the criminal destruction of our cultural heritage and the looting of our archaeological treasures.
At the same time, Ankara and the Turkish Cypriot leadership are openly promoting a solution of two separate sovereign states. Under the pretext of the interests of the Turkish Cypriot community, they put forward sovereign equality as a condition, thus dynamiting any prospect of resuming meaningful negotiations, demonstrating defiantly zero will to continue the effort to find a just and viable solution within the agreed framework.
In addition, Ankara is engineering new fait accompli in the enclosed area of Famagusta, attempting to change the status quo with methodologies that confirm that the ultimate goal remains the colonization of the city and the usurpation of Greek Cypriot properties. In the last 24 hours, we have all witnessed yet another lawless attempt to violate the status quo and to create new facts in the buffer zone in the Pyla area. Ignoring the reactions of the international community and the European Union, the occupying regime, in a show of eccentricity and intransigence, did not even hesitate to move against the UN Peacekeeping Force.
Dear friends
The role you can play, particularly in the Cyprus problem, is of vital importance. You are the best promoter of our national issue abroad, in foreign decision-making centres. Your contacts and connections with important international personalities as well as with expatriate organizations of other countries can contribute supportively and decisively to our efforts for a solution of the Cyprus problem.
We know that it is not easy and often requires costs as we are faced with the Turkish diplomacy and the powerful network of lobbies that it finances and maintains. The latest incident is the case of Kat Theophanous, our expatriate MP in Victoria, Australia, who was suspended by her own party for daring to condemn the Turkish invasion of our homeland and the ongoing occupation for 49 years, as well as the crimes against her compatriots, in a speech in the state parliament. We stand by her side and have already conveyed our support and sympathy. As we stand by each and every one of you. We support and amplify the voice of our expatriates. We join our forces for our Cyprus.
Congratulating you again for the very substantial and important work you are doing, I assure you that both I personally and the House of Representatives will always be with you, assisting you in any initiative and action you undertake.
In closing, I wish all participants and attendees fruitful discussions and successful collaborations during the conference.
I wish all participants and attendees fruitful discussions and successful collaborations during the conference. I also hope that your time here will be enriched by meaningful exchanges of views, useful discussions, lifelong friendships, further strengthening all of us in our perpetual effort to shape a brighter future for Cyprus and our Diaspora. A better tomorrow founded on solid deep roots for Cypriot Hellenism everywhere. Just as the humble dandelion you have chosen as a symbol spreads to every corner of the earth.
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
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