ESU branch to be established in Cyprus

British High Commissioner Peter Millett announced today the establishment of an English Speaking Union (ESU) branch in Cyprus.

Speaking during a press conference, Millet said he was a “bit surprised” that the establishment of a Cyprus’ branch has taken so long, given the importance of the use of English language on the island.

Noting that education is a really strong strand in the relationship between UK and Cyprus, the BHC pointed out that there are now more than 10.000 Cypriot students at British Universities.

He also said that this initiative creates international understanding and friendship through the use of the English language.

''English is in common use through out this island and I hope that this branch can be used to bring people together with a common purpose in this modern age'', the British High Commissioner concluded.

On Monday 22 June 2009, 40 overseas delegates from 11 International English -Speaking Union branches will attend a reception at BHC’s Residence, to formally launch the ESU Cyprus branch.

The launch ceremony will be opened by the British High Commissioner and the First Lady of Cyprus Elsi Christofias.

Among the international programs in which Cypriots will be able to participate through ESU are the Public Speaking Competition, which already the ESU Cyprus branch sponsored a Cypriot participant in May to speak in London on the subject of ‘Regeneration and Renewal’, the International Relations Summer Conference to be held in Oxford in August where a Cypriot journalist will attend and the Globe Education Cultural Seminar for Teachers at Shakespeare’s Globe where a Cypriot English professor will participate as well.

Garo Keheyan, Chairman of the ESU Cyprus said ''the English Speaking Union gives us an opportunity to connect with another global network''.

Director General of ESU Valerie Mitchelle, said ''the launch of the ESU Cyprus will see the 51st country joining the ESU family'' noting that ESU ''gives opportunities to people in different countries and we shall be reaching out to Cyprus whenever we can''.