Press Releases

Five Greek Cypriot Mayors from the Occupied Territory of Northern Cyprus Visit AHI

WASHINGTON, DC—On May 22, 2009 five mayors from the occupied territory of northern Cyprus visited the American Hellenic Institute’s Hellenic House. The delegation consisted of Mr. Alexis Galanos, Mayor of the occupied city of Farmagusta, Mr. Michalis Pilikos, Mayor of the occupied town of Lefkoniko, Mr. Savvas Savvides, Mayor of the occupied town of Akanthou, Mr. Charalambos Charalambous, Deputy Mayor of the occupied city of Morphou, and Mr. Charalambos Ioannides, Director of the Department of Overseas Cypriots. The delegation was accompanied by Mr. Andreas Kakouris, Ambassador of Cyprus to the U.S. and Ms. Demetra Christodoulou, Second Secretary/Consul from the Embassy of Cyprus. The delegation met with AHI Founder Gene Rossides and AHI staff.

The discussion focused on several topics of mutual interest regarding U.S. relations with Cyprus, Greece, and Turkey, Turkish violations of human rights in Cyprus, Turkish occupation and destruction of religious sites and personal properties, Turkey and the EU and a plan for reunification of the island. The meeting was followed by a small luncheon hosted by the AHI in honor of the delegation held at the Hellenic House.

“We were honored to have the five Greek Cypriot Mayors from various towns and cities of the occupied territory in northern Cyprus visit the Hellenic House. We appreciate the open discussion and look forward to working together to strengthen U.S. relations with Cyprus, ending the Turkish occupation, and reunifying Cyprus,” said AHI Founder Gene Rossides.       

(L-r) Mayor of Akanthou Savvas Savvides, Mayor of Famagusta Alexis Galanos, Gene Rossides, Mayor of Lefkoniko Michaelis Pilikos, Amb. Charalambos Ioannides and Deputy Mayor of Morphou Charalambos Charalambous.

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For additional information, please contact C. Franciscos Economides at (202) 785-8430 or at pr@ahiworld.org. For general information about the activities of AHI, please see our Web site at http://www.ahiworld.org.

The American Hellenic Institute is a nonprofit public policy organization that works to strengthen relations between the United States and Greece and Cyprus, and also within the American Hellenic community.

1220 16th Street, NW | Washington, D.C. 20036
Phone 202-785-8430 | Fax 202-785-5178 | www.ahiworld.org

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