Nicosia: Visa exemption for Cypriots travelling to the US, promoting issues of Cyprus interest during Cyprus’ EU Presidency, strengthening relations with the UK and the US, as well as preserving the Cypriot identity among the younger generations of the diaspora, were highlighted as priorities by the expatriates during a press conference on Friday, as their annual world conference wrapped up in Nicosia.
According to Cyprus News Agency, diaspora organisations PSEKA, POMAK, and NEPOMAK emphasized their role in promoting Cyprus’ strategic objectives and enhancing its international presence. PSEKA Chair, Philip Christopher, noted the significant successes and challenges facing the diaspora in the US. He highlighted PSEKA’s contribution to the recent visit of the President of the Republic to the US and the lifting of the American arms embargo on Cyprus.
Christopher discussed the near-achievement of a visa waiver for Cypriots, which faced delays due to migration policy changes under the Trump administration, but he remained optimistic about resolving the issue. He also mentioned efforts to prevent the sale of F-35 aircraft to Turkey and praised the success of the recent PSEKA conference in Washington, which featured participation from key parliament and senate members. The conference brought attention to the issue of Varosha and its return to legal residents.
PSEKA Chair emphasized Cyprus’ upcoming EU Presidency as an opportunity to enhance the Republic’s standing, with Washington recognizing Cyprus as a bridge between Europe and the Middle East. He also mentioned PSEKA’s efforts for the release of five Greek Cypriots held illegally in Cyprus’ Turkish-occupied areas, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio offering support.
Newly elected POMAK President, Christos Karaolis, highlighted the strong relations between Cyprus and the UK, improved following the election of the new British government. He referred to high-level meetings and the effective lobbying by the Cyprus diaspora in the UK. Karaolis also cited the younger generations’ campaigning efforts, such as the resignation of the British trade envoy after an illegal visit to occupied Cyprus.
Outgoing POMAK Chairman, Andreas Papaevripides, discussed the diaspora’s support for Cyprus’ EU Presidency and initiatives like the “Amalthea” humanitarian project for Gaza. NEPOMAK Chair, Christos Tuton, focused on preserving the Cypriot identity and engaging younger generations with their cultural heritage. He encouraged their involvement in lobbying and promoting Cyprus’ issues globally.
On the conference sidelines, MEP Costas Mavrides addressed illegal settlements and property usurpation by the occupied regime. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of its northern third. Despite UN-led peace talks, a resolution remains elusive due to Turkish intransigence. Further dialogues, including a meeting between UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, are anticipated in New York this September to continue discussions on the way forward.