Members of the World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association (WHIA) have voiced their support for the Republic “in its efforts to end Turkish occupation and find a just solution to the Cyprus problem”. The delegates are in Cyprus to mark the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion.

During a press conference on Monday morning, elected officials of Greek or Cypriot descent from countries including the USA, Canada, South Africa, Australia and Ukraine discussed their efforts to highlight the Cyprus issue in their respective nations. They also urged to strengthen ties between Cyprus and their countries of residence.

WHIA president and Rhode Island senator Leonidas Raptakis condemned the Turkish invasion and expressed the organisation’s support for the people of Cyprus.

“We are united for the future of Cyprus,” he said. “Cyprus, Greece and the USA play a crucial role in regional stability.”

Raptakis added that the primary goal of WHIA is to inform their colleagues about the ongoing 50-year occupation. He also mentioned that regardless of the outcome of upcoming US elections, they will continue to advocate for a fair resolution to the Cyprus problem. He referred to a letter from Greek-American legislators to Congress, requesting an extension of ending the US arms embargo on Cyprus for five more years.

WHIA vice-president Effie Triantafilopoulos, a member of the Ontario provincial parliament in Canada, also stressed the importance of ending the 50-year illegal occupation by Turkey.

She mentioned a resolution passed by the Canadian Parliament on June 13 condemning the invasion and calling for a solution. The resolution will be presented to the President Nikos Christodoulides on Tuesday.

Nevada Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony, born in the US to Cypriot parents, discussed the issue of refugees who have been unable to return to their properties for 50 years and underlined the need for international pressure on Europe to allow Cypriots to decide their future.

New York state representative Michael Tannousis shared that his parents are refugees and stressed the importance of supporting the Cypriot people and government to achieve justice and a solution to the Cyprus problem.

Australian federal MP Steve Georganas said the Cyprus problem is regularly discussed in his country’s parliament. He condemned the ongoing occupation, adding that Cyprus is the only divided EU country. He also called for a solution for missing persons’ families.

Wyoming senator Stephen Pappas stated that Greek or Cypriot-origin lawmakers want to assist the Cypriot government and people in finding a solution. Connecticut state representative Nicole Klarides emphasised the need for dialogue and understanding among Greeks, Turks, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, calling for a resolution.

Ontario provincial parliament member Aris Babikian supported the island’s reunification and compensation for refugees. He urged the international community to recognise Cyprus’ legitimate demands and criticised Turkey’s actions on the international stage.

Canadian federal MP Annie Koutrakis also mentioned that the Canadian parliament unanimously passed a motion condemning the invasion and occupation.

Moreover, the deputy chairman of Ukraine’s Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs Gregory Nemyria drew parallels between the situations in Ukraine and Cyprus, highlighting the dangers of frozen conflicts.

The WHIA delegation met Nicosia mayor Charalambos Prountzos on Sunday and plans to meet the Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas and National Guard Chief Georgios Tzitzikostas on Monday. On Tuesday, WHIA members will meet Christodoulides.