Diaspora discuss new challenges in promoting Cyprob abroad

Expat organisations that participate in the World Conference of Cyprus Diaspora on Thursday referred to the new difficulties they face in promoting aspects of the Cyprus issue because of changing geopolitical developments.

They also stressed the need for further mobilisation by the government in raising awareness of the Cyprus issue abroad.

In his statements to journalists, the President of the International Coordination Committee ‘Justice for Cyprus’, (Pseka), Philip Christopher said: “We are in a difficult position, due to the upgraded position of Turkey after the war in Ukraine.”

Christopher expressed particular concern over Erdogan’s threats to annex the north of the island, the situation in Varosha, and Turkey’s threats against Greece.

However, he also spoke about the opportunities that exist. “I think the United States want to hear a programme that will benefit the country as well as Cyprus and Greece by providing a solution to the Cyprus problem,” he said.

Asked to comment on how the governments of Cyprus and Greece could support and enhance the efforts of the diaspora, Christopher referred to the need for more awareness of the problem abroad.

“There is no doubt that after 48 years many MPs, political leaders, do not know the problem in Cyprus, they see it as an inter-communal problem”, he added.

During the conference, representatives from all countries where there are expatriate communities, referred to the challenges and opportunities that exist to promote Cyprus problem. New challenges such as the huge interests of the UK in Turkey after Brexit, or the Islamisation and the economic influence of Turkey in many African countries. Some opportunities were also pointed out, such the election of the new Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese, a friend of Cyprus, or the election of Greek descent MPs in parliaments of some countries.