The 30th Conference of the International Coordinating Committee “Justice for Cyprus” (PSEKA), which marked 40 years since the Turkish invasion and subsequent occupation of 37% of Cyprus` territory, wraps up its order of business on Thursday.
Late on Wednesday evening an official dinner took place during which Greek American former Chief of Staff of US President Bill Clinton, John Podesta and Co-Chair of the Congressional Hellenic – Israel Alliance Ted Deutch were honoured.
Cypriot Government Spokesman Nicos Christodoulides, in Washington for the Conference, addressed the dinner and commended the work and efforts of the Greek American community for Cyprus.
Referring to the upcoming 40 year anniversary on July 20 of the Turkish invasion, Christodoulides recalled the words of US Vice President Joe Biden who said that not even one Turkish soldier should have set foot in Cyprus.
Addressing the Greek and Cypriot community of the US, Christodoulides said that “continuing your difficult work and efforts for Cyprus has never again been so crucial”.
Recent developments and high level contacts between the US and Cyprus indicate that today an opportunity which has never before presented itself is at hand, he noted, adding that “with your help we can take advantage of this juncture and press Turkey to end its 40 year occupation and its brutal violation of international law.”
On his part Ted Deutch referred to the historic ties between the Greek and Jewish communities as well as to the role Greeks played during the German occupation in saving Jews.
He gave an account of the establishment of the Hellenic – Israeli Alliance in Congress and spoke of the need to work for a solution of the Cyprus issue.
Deutch also referred to the new relationship between Greece, Cyprus and Israel, noting that its most important element has to do with common values rather than natural gas and interests.
In his address, Podesta said energy is key in the efforts for a solution, adding that a lot of hard work and negotiations will be needed in order for a solution to be found.
At the same time he assured that US President Barack Obama and the entire US Administration are committed to finding a viable solution to the benefit of both communities and the region as a whole.
Former Congressman Paul Sarbarnes talked about his visit to Cyprus together with Congressman John Bradmas a few days after the invasion and paid tribute to Greeks and Cypriots in the US for their efforts as regards the Cyprus issue.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. UN-led peace talks are currently underway to find a negotiated settlement that would reunite the country.