The 54th anniversary of Cyprus` independence from British colonial rule was celebrated in New York city Wednesday evening at an event organized by Cyprus` Permanent Mission to the UN and Cyprus` Consulate in NY.
The event was attended by Ambassadors and other diplomats of UN member states as well as by members of Cypriot organizations abroad.
Addressing the guests, Ambassador Nicos Emiliou, Cyprus` Permanent Representative to the UN, said that in the 54 years since Cyprus gained its independence, has gone through a lot, ie the 1974 Turkish invasion, the admission to the EU in 2004 and the current economic crisis. He referred to the struggle to reunite the island and to exit the financial crisis as well as to Cyprus rich culture and civilization.
Archbishop Demetrios of America and PSEKA President Philip Christopher also addressed the event. NY Governon Andrew Cuomo and Mayor of NYC Bill di Blasio sent letters on the occasion of Cyprus Independence Day.
Cyprus gained its independence in 1960, after a four-year struggle against British colonial rule.
In 1974 Turkey invaded and occupied Cyprus` northern third. UN-backed negotiations are underway with the aim to reunite the island under a federal roof.
