Overseas Cypriots to meet in Cyprus

The 23rd meeting of the Central Council of the World Federation for Overseas Cypriots (POMAK) and the International Coordinating Committee “Justice for Cyprus” (PSEKA) and the 5th international conference of the World Organisation for Young Overseas Cypriots (NEPOMAK) will be held in Nicosia from 24-27 August.

An official statement issued here Tuesday said President Demetris Christofias will address the opening ceremony on 24 August and delegates will be welcomed by Foreign Minister Markos Kyprianou.

The opening ceremony will be addressed by the House President Marios Garoyan, the Archbishop of the Church of Cyprus Chrysostomos II, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Markos Kyprianou, the Presidents of POMAK, PSEKA, and NEPOMAK Haris Sophoclides, Philip Christopher and Christos Karaolis respectively, the President of the World Council of Hellenes (SAE) Stefanos Tamvakis, the Council’s Honorary President Andrew Athens and the President of Cyprus Youth Organisation Andreas Vyras.

Overseas Cypriots will give a press conference on August 28 at Hilton Hotel in Nicosia on the results of their four day meeting.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied the island’s northern third.

Peace talks began in September 2008 between President Christofias and former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat. Talks continue now with Dervis Eroglu, who succeeded Talat in April this year.