In New York on Friday, September 27th, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides delivered a significant speech to Cypriot associations and groups, focusing on his administration’s efforts to reunify the divided island nation. The speech highlighted the strategic geopolitical significance of Cyprus, the strong bilateral relations Nicosia maintains with the United States, and the deeply rooted support of the Cypriot diaspora in the nation’s struggles.
This address was delivered at a dinner marking the conclusion of the Cypriot President’s visit to the United States for the annual United Nations General Assembly.
President Christodoulides expresses gratitude to Cyprus diaspora in his speech
In his heartfelt speech, President Christodoulides expressed profound gratitude to the Cypriot diaspora for their unwavering dedication to Cyprus. He emphasized that despite the distance between the motherland and the US, their love and support for Cyprus remain strong. “Your love for Cyprus remains unquenchable, and your bonds are strong,” he stated, recognizing their ongoing efforts to promote Cyprus’s interests without expecting anything in return.
During his emotional speech, President Christodoulides reflected on his personal connections with the Cypriot diaspora, recalling memories and experiences from his undergraduate years in the 1990s. He commended their warmth and generosity, highlighting their crucial role in advocating for an end to Turkey’s occupation and the reunification of Cyprus.
Turkey’s occupation and Cyprus’ future
This year’s speech coincided with the somber 50th anniversary of Turkey’s invasion of Cyprus. President Christodoulides emphasized that despite various efforts over the last 50 years, Cyprus remains divided, with thousands displaced and Turkish forces still present as occupying forces. He called for more determination in addressing the ongoing Cyprus issue, stating that “the current unacceptable state of affairs cannot be considered a solution to the Cyprus issue.”
Christodoulides referred to Turkish President Erdogan‘s remarks implying that Cyprus should be divided into two states.
Reiterating his commitment to resolving the Cyprus issue based on an agreed framework aligned with European Union principles, President Christodoulides expressed his readiness to engage in productive dialogue facilitated by the United Nations to break the current deadlock. “I am fully aware of the difficulties and positions of the Turkish side, but it is our homeland under occupation, and we must do everything possible to reunite our land,” he asserted.
President Christodoulides also emphasized Cyprus’s potential as a significant player in broader regional stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and greater Middle East. He mentioned a recent effort outlined in Paris for delivering humanitarian aid to war-torn Gaza as evidence of Cyprus’s ability to constructively contribute on a global scale despite the nation’s small size and population.
The event also featured remarks from President Philip Christopher of the Pancypriot Association of America and included awards presented by President Christodoulides. The “Justice for Cyprus” award was handed to AHEPA Supreme President Savvas Tsivikos, while George Logothetis, Executive Chairman of Libra Group, received the “Philanthropic Award” from the Cypriot President.
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