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AHI President Addresses World Conference of Overseas Cypriots

AHI President Larigakis Addressing The Delegates At The Annual World Conference of Overseas Cypriots In Nicosia, Cyprus

AHI President Larigakis Addressing The Delegates At The Annual World Conference of Overseas Cypriots In Nicosia, Cyprus

NO. 42

WASHINGTON, DC —American Hellenic Institute (AHI) President Nick Larigakis completed a series of meetings in Greece and Cyprus, August 26 to 29, 2019, prior to his return to the United States from vacation in Greece.  

During a one-day visit to Athens, August 26, President Larigakis met with:  U.S. Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt, Deputy Chief of Mission David Burger, and Defense Attaché Captain Tim Ketter

at the U.S. Embassy; Deputy Prime Minster of Greece Panagiotis Pikrammenos, Minister of Tourism Harry Theoharis, Minister of Defense Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos, and Chief of the Hellenic Defense General Staff General Christos Christodoulou.

 “I appreciated the opportunity to meet with several government officials during a brief stop-over in Athens,” said Larigakis.  “Greece’s geostrategic importance and exploring ways to further advance relations between the United States and Greece were main topics of discussion. I also expressed dismay at the response from Washington, especially from certain aspects of the executive and legislative branches, regarding Turkey’s aggressiveness in the region. I find the responses devoid of any consequences for Turkey and not holding Turkey accountable for its provocative acts.”

Cyprus

President Nick Larigakis visited Cyprus where he attended the 20th World Conference of Overseas Cypriots in Nicosia on August 27, 28, and 29.  He addressed the conference on August 29.

“I thank the organizers of the conference for the chance to address a global audience of overseas Cypriots dedicated to addressing the many issues confronting Cyprus, including threats from Turkey,” Larigakis said.  “The American Hellenic Institute stands with them in the pursuit of justice for Cyprus and peace and security in the region.”

During the presidential reception held during the conference, Larigakis engaged in an extensive discussion with U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Cyprus Judith Garber on Turkey’s aggressiveness in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The World Federation of Overseas Cypriots (POMAK), the International Coordinating Committee “Justice for Cyprus” (PSEKA) and the Youth of the World Federation of Overseas Cypriots (NEPOMAK), organized the conference, which was held August 27 to 30.

(L-R) Savas Tsivicos, Supreme Treasurer, Order of AHEPA, Lt. General Ilias Leontaris, Chief of the National Guard General Staff of Cyprus, & AHI President Nick Larigakis At Reception Held By The President of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades

(L-R) Savas Tsivicos, Supreme Treasurer, Order of AHEPA, Lt. General Ilias Leontaris, Chief of the National Guard General Staff of Cyprus, & AHI President Nick Larigakis At Reception Held By The President of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades

During his visit to Cyprus, President Larigakis also met with Commissioner to the Presidency for Humanitarian Affairs and Overseas Cypriots Photis Photiou and had a working dinner with Lt. General Ilias Leontaris, Chief of the National Guard General Staff.  The topics of discussion focused again on Turkey’s aggression and the humanitarian issue of the Missing Persons in Cyprus.

“I sincerely thank the government officials in Cyprus for their time and for the opportunity to discuss how AHI is working to address these areas of concern.”