On October 26, 2024, the Cyprus Society of Greater Philadelphia hosted a significant event commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. The gathering honored the resilience and sacrifices of those who fought for Cyprus’s freedom.
The evening commenced with an invocation by The Very Reverend Archimandrite Christoforos Oikonimidis, followed by a welcome address from Costas Pistos, President of the Cyprus Society of Greater Philadelphia. In his remarks, Pistos emphasized the significance of the occasion, stating, “This is an important night for us as we are honoring the 50 years of the dark anniversary from the Turkish invasion in Cyprus. Fifty years of remembrance for our lost lands and for those who fought for Cyprus’s freedom.”
Dr. Stelios Tsinontides, Vice President of the Cyprus Society of Greater Philadelphia
The keynote address was delivered by Philip Christopher, President of the International Coordinating Committee “Justice for Cyprus” (PSEKA). Reflecting on the ongoing struggle for justice, Christopher remarked, “During these past 50 years, we, as American citizens, spared neither time, effort, nor money trying to bring justice to Cyprus. Although we have kept the Cyprus issue alive in the United States Congress and in the forefront of every administration, we failed to remove the Turkish occupation troops, and 37% of the Republic of Cyprus remains under occupation.”
Philip Christopher, President of the International Coordinating Committee “Justice for Cyprus” (PSEKA)
Christopher also addressed the complexities of international alliances, stating, “It’s good to have allies, but we must hold them accountable. Our allies must reflect the American values that we believe in, the democratic values that we believe in. What is a good ally if it does not reflect the American values?”
Highlighting Turkey’s actions, Christopher pointed out, “Turkey bought the S-400 missiles, there were no consequences. Turkey has not committed sanctions on Russia, there is no consequence. Turkey [fought] the Kurds in Syria, there are no consequences. Turkey [meddles] in Armenia, there are no consequences. Hamas, the terrorist organization, [has] headquarters in Turkey, there are no consequences. Turkey supports Hezbollah, there are no consequences.”
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He called for increased awareness and action, stating, “These are the things that we have to bring out to all Americans. The public opinion has to know that Turkey… is still not a good ally.” Emphasizing the role of the Greek-American community, Christopher urged, “We, as Greek-Americans, must fight, and we must fight in a way as never before. They must understand that the Greek-American community, united, will continue to fight.”
Kyriacos Papastylianou, President of the Federation of Cypriot American Organizations
Kyriacos Papastylianou, President of the Federation of Cypriot American Organizations, also addressed the attendees. He highlighted the importance of cultural preservation in the ongoing struggle for a viable solution to the Cyprus cause, stating, “This year, as we solemnly mark the 50th anniversary of the illegal Turkish invasion and continued occupation of Cyprus, your efforts in preserving our rich culture are not just significant but crucial in the ongoing struggle for a viable solution to the Cyprus cause. May this evening inspire us to remain committed until justice and freedom for Cyprus prevail.”
The event featured a cultural performance by the Cypriot Dancers of Greater Philadelphia, celebrating Cyprus’s rich heritage. The gathering served as a testament to the community’s dedication to honoring the past and striving for a just future for Cyprus. Congratulations to Dr. Stelios Tsinontides and his team for organizing a memorable evening.
For more information on the Cyprus Society of Greater Philadelphia and their initiatives, you can visit their official page on the Federation of Cypriot American Organizations’ website.
To learn more about PSEKA and their ongoing efforts for justice in Cyprus, visit their official website.