Press Releases

Let me begin by warmly welcoming each and every one of you to the Presidential Palace on the occasion of the 102^nd AHEPA Family Supreme Convention. 

It is a great honour to host for the first time, here in Cyprus, this very important event for Hellenism. In the 102 years of the history of AHEPA, this is only the second time that this event is held outside the United States (US). This speaks volumes about the importance of our relationship and our unbreakable bond. We are pleased to have all of you here in Cyprus. 

Hosting you in Cyprus, at the eastern-most edge of Hellenism, sends a resounding message of our unity and strength – one a pre-requisite for the other – because our strength lies precisely in our unity. 

Since 1922, AHEPA has been tirelessly promoting the Hellenic values: Greek language, identity and cultural heritage, but also universal principles and ideals, including humanism, reason, the pursuit of knowledge, arts, moderation and civic responsibility. I would like to thank AHEPA’s Supreme President, my dearest friend Savvas C. Tsivicos, the Supreme Lodge Members and the entire AHEPA leadership for your profound dedication to our common cause. 

This important gathering coincides with a tragic, sombre anniversary, the 50^th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974. This solemn milestone calls for reflection on the loss we have endured and the sacrifices undertaken by the people of Cyprus. It is also a moment of reflection for our future. An opportunity to renew our commitment to reunifying Cyprus and its people. Our commitment to peace, stability and prosperity is the only path that we can choose for Cyprus, for the generations to come. The pain of half a century since the Turkish invasion, of 50 years of occupation, violation of fundamental freedoms and human rights remains. But so does our resolve to reunify Cyprus through a viable comprehensive settlement in line with the relevant United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolutions, European Union (EU) law, values and principles. 

As we commemorate this sombre anniversary, we also reflect on the resilience and enduring spirit of the Cypriot people and the rest of Hellenism, as well as on their unrelenting efforts and their quest for peace and justice. 

AHEPA has been a staunch pillar of support in Cyprus’ quest for peace. We are profoundly grateful to all the AHEPA members and we extend our deep appreciation to all Hellenes for their unwavering support. Your voice and resolve strengthen our own. 

Your role has also been very instrumental in further reinforcing Cyprus-US relations. It is with your contribution that Cyprus-US relations are stronger than ever. I am proud, because since my time as Minister of Foreign Affairs, we worked tirelessly to advance our relations with the US, in line with our clear foreign policy orientation. In 2018, I signed the Statement of Intent which paved the way for cooperation in fields ranging from security to defence and regional cooperation. As a result, only last month we launched the structured strategic dialogue between Cyprus and the US – our Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Kombos, and the US Secretary of State – which epitomises our joint commitment to this partnership and the alignment of our common interest for security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean region. 

We owe it to those who heroically defended democracy, who defended the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus to reunify our country and its people. I adamantly believe that the status quo cannot be the future of Cyprus. It is my duty as President to work tirelessly, so that generations to come are able to live in a viable, functional, reunified EU member state, where they can enjoy fully the human rights that all other Europeans enjoy and live in an environment of peace, stability, freedom and prosperity. Without guarantees and without foreign troops. A reunified Cyprus that will be able to further enhance its role as a pillar of regional stability and peace and a model of peaceful coexistence and prosperity. 

In this context, I would like to assure you that despite the challenges we face, stemming from the intransigence of Turkey, we will not relent. I will continue to exert every possible effort to resume negotiations, in line with the agreed basis as outlined in relevant UN Security Council Resolutions. 

Fifty years of occupation are enough. It is high time to reunify the last divided EU member state. It is high time to walk the path of peace, stability, co-existence and prosperity. 

In this endeavour, you, our diaspora, constitutes a key driver. AHEPA, as the largest and oldest homogeneous Greek organisation, is a fundamental pillar of our vision to reunify Cyprus. As I often like to say, you are our greatest extraterritorial power and our most valuable tool. 

For your valuable contribution, your solidarity, I once again express on behalf of the people of Cyprus and my Government our deep respect and great appreciation.

(RM/GS/IA)