by Kyriacos Tsioupras
London (CNA) – President of the World Federation of Overseas Cypriots (POMAK) Charis Sophoclides believes that this year’s POMAK congress is perhaps the most important of recent years, as it coincides with a transitional period for the Cyprus problem.
In an interview with CNA London correspondent Kyriacos Trioupras, Sophoclides points out that this period is transitional in that the meeting of President Tassos Papadopoulos with Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat may pave the way for the creation of preconditions for a Cyprus settlement.
Sophoclides also makes an assessment of POMAK’s role in the enlightenment effort regarding the Cyprus problem, saying it is satisfactory, adding that more could be done to solve the problems of overseas Cypriots.
”I consider the role of the overseas Cypriots’ movement satisfactory regarding the first and utmost sector of its activities, that of the enlightenment effort on the Cyprus problem,” he said.
He pointed out that the rejection by the Greek Cypriot community of a UN-sponsored settlement plan, known as the Annan plan, in a referendum in 2004, was followed by a period of iciness between the federations of Cypriots abroad and the governments of the countries they live in.
”However, this phase was gradually overcome and we are now on solid ground,” he added.
Regarding the problems faced by the overseas Cypriots, Sophoclides said they differ from country to country and have to do with education and communication, among others, noting that ”much has been done and more should be done.”
Asked about this year’s POMAK congress, Sophoclides said that it is perhaps one of the most important yet, as it coincides with a transitional period in the Cyprus problem, in that the meeting between President Papadopoulos and Talat ”could pave the way for the creation of preconditions for a settlement.”
He added that the congress would give overseas Cypriots the opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues.
Regarding the fact that the congress is also being held in a pre-election period leading to the February 2008 presidential elections, Sophoclides said this gave additional significance to the congress but pointed out that POMAK always follows the policy of the democratically elected government.
Asked about the activities of the Federation’s youth (NEPOMAK), Sophoclides said ”we must find the means to create the preconditions that would allow for the baton to be passed from the first to the younger generations.”
In conclusion, Sophoclides said he would ”like to find time to see our communities abroad cooperating, not only for the Cyprus problem and the needs of each community, but to begin thinking as a whole, broader and with higher aims, such as a national fund.”
