PADEE - WHIA

A delegation of PADEE-WHIA (World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association / Παγκόσμια Διακοινοβουλευτική Ένωση Ελληνισμού) visited the Republic of Cyprus this week to coincide with the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the invasion of the island. The purpose of the visit was to express its support for the Republic and to encourage the reunification of the island. Three of the legislators present were of Greek Cypriot descent.

The visit included an important meeting with the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides. Apart from expressing its support for the Republic and its efforts to seek a lasting and peaceful solution for the reunification of the island, the delegation also expressed its willingness to encourage ongoing and increased economic and cultural ties between the island and the various regions represented by WHIA. The delegation acknowledged and applauded the constructive role Cyprus is playing in assisting with the humanitarian sea corridor delivering food and vital supplies at a time of conflict in the region.

With regards to the ongoing illegal occupation of the island, the delegation visited the Minister of Defence, Vasilis Palmas and the Cypriot National Guard to receive a briefing on the current status, as well as the Hellenic Forces in Cyprus (ELDYK) where they paid their respects to the soldiers who lost their lives as a result of the invasion.

The delegation also visited the Green Line in Nicosia with the Mayor, Charalambos Prountzos and then spoke with civil society stakeholders who underscored that Nicosia remains the only divided capital in the world.

The delegation also dialogued with several Cypriot diaspora organizations working towards the reunification of the island. The WHIA also attended the opening ceremony of a conference hosted by the International Coordinating Committee “Justice for Cyprus” (PSEKA), the World Federation of Overseas Cypriots (POMAK) and the World Organization for Young Overseas Cypriots (NEPOMAK).

Furthermore, the delegation was honored to meet His Eminence Archbishop Georgios of Cyprus.

On July 21, 2023, the WHIA passed a resolution on Cyprus at its 14th General Assembly. The measure expressed support for the President of Cyprus in his efforts to restart negotiations through the European Union and the United Nations. Since that time, WHIA President and Rhode Island State Senator Leonidas Raptakis has pushed for Cyprus to be included in the United States visa waiver program and a group of 24 American legislators has been pushing to extend the waiver renewal period for the arms embargo on the Republic of Cyprus from one year to five years.

The Parliament of Canada unanimously passed a Resolution on June 13, 2024 marking the 50th anniversary of the invasion and calling for a just and peaceful reunification of the island. Canadian members of WHIA visited the United Nations controlled Buffer Zone to pay tribute at a monument for the 28 Canadian peacekeepers who lost their lives during the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Cyprus.

On the July 4th, 2024, Federal MP of Australia, Mr Steve Georganas raised the issue of Cyprus and the unjust 50 year occupation of the North and called for a united and just Cyprus in the Australian Federal Parliament.

The Republic of Cyprus is a member of the European Union and is a stable and reliable partner in the region. It is time to enable the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots to decide their own future in a peaceful and united Cyprus.

The WHIA delegation was comprised of elected legislators of Greek and Cypriot descent from Australia, Canada, South Africa, Ukraine and the United States.
1. Leonidas Raptakis, Rhode Island State Senator (U.S.A.)
2. Stavros Anthony, Lt. Governor of Nevada (U.S.A.)
3. Nicole Klarides-Ditria, Connecticut State Representative (U.S.A.)
4. Michael Tannousis, New York Assemblyman (U.S.A.)
5. Stephan Pappas, Wyoming State Senator (U.S.A.)
6. Effie Triantafilopoulos, Member of Provincial Parliament of Ontario (Canada)
7. Annie Koutrakis, Federal Member of Parliament (Canada)
8. Aris Babikian, Member of Provincial Parliament of Ontario (Canada)
9. Steve Georganas, Federal Member of Parliament (Australia)
10. Andrea Michaels, Member of South Australian Parliament (Australia)
11. George Michalakis, Member of Parliament (South Africa)
12. Hryhoriy Nemyria, First Deputy Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Parliament (Ukraine)

With regards to the ongoing illegal occupation of Cyprus, the PADEE-WHIA delegation met with the Minister of Defence Mr. Vasilis Palmas and the Chief of the National Guard General Staff, Lieutenant General Georgios Tsitsikostas to receive a briefing on the current situation.

The Canadian delegates of PADEE-WHIA met with the Honorary Consul of Canada in Cyprus, Spyros Kallis and visited a monument inside the buffer zone that is honoring and recognizing the Canadian peacekeepers. More than 33,000 Canadians served in Cyprus; 28 died there while on mission.

Effie Triantafilopoulos, Member of Provincial Parliament of Ontario (Canada)
Annie Koutrakis, Federal Member of Parliament (Canada)
Aris Babikian, Member of Provincial Parliament of Ontario (Canada)

A city divided. Members of the PADEE-WHIA were received by the Mayor of Nicosia Mr. Charalambos Prountzos with a view from the city hall’s rooftop and a visit to the former checkpoints. Although these checkpoints are no longer in use, the city remains divided and although the Republic of Cyprus continues to work towards a united capital city, there remains a lot of potential that will only be unlocked with a united city free from occupation.
Despite this, the Mayor is working to build a city that is forward looking and prosperous and we thank him for receiving us with open arms.

Our US delegates met in Nicosia with the Ambassador of the United States of America to Cyprus, H.E. Julie Davis Fisher to discuss about issues of concern regarding Cyprus, Greece and the Hellenic American community.

-Leonidas Raptakis, Rhode Island State Senator
-Stavros Anthony, Lt. Governor of Nevada
-Stephan Pappas, Wyoming State Senator
-Nicole Klarides-Ditria, Connecticut State Representative
-Assemblyman Michael Tannousis, New York

The PADEE-WHIA delegation met with the President of the Republic of Cyprus Mr Nikos Christodoulides. The purpose of the meeting was to express support for the Republic of Cyprus on the occasion of the 50th year since the occupation of the island, but also to discuss opportunities for the future, since Cyprus has a key role to play in building a better, more peaceful region.

-Leonidas Raptakis, Rhode Island State Senator USA
-Stavros Anthony, Lt. Governor of Nevada USA
-Stephan Pappas, Wyoming State Senator USA
-Nicole Klarides-Ditria, Connecticut State Representative USA
-Assemblyman Michael Tannousis, New York USA
-Effie Triantafilopoulos, MPP Ontario CANADA
-Annie Koutrakis, Federal MP Canada
-Steve Georganas MP, Federal MP Australia
-Andrea Michaels MP Australia
-Aris Babikian, MPP Ontario CANADA
-George Michalakis, MP Sourh Africa
-Hryhoriy Nemyria, First Deputy Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Parliament of Ukraine

A delegation of the World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association (WHIA) / Παγκόσμια Διακοινοβουλευτική Ένωση Ελληνισμού (ΠΑΔΕΕ) are in Cyprus to mark the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion to express their support to the Republic of Cyprus in its efforts to reach a just solution to the Cyprus problem.

At a press conference held this morning, elected officials from various countries, such as the US, Canada, South Africa, Australia and Ukraine, who are of Greek or Cypriot descent, noted the efforts they are making in their countries to raise awareness on the Cyprus problem, while they also referred to their efforts to strengthen the Republic of Cyprus' ties with the countries in which they are elected.

WHIA’s President, Rhode Island State Senator Leonidas Raptakis condemned the Turkish occupation of Cyprus and expressed the organisation’s support to the people of Cyprus, noting that they work together with the government to find a solution.

Regarding the upcoming elections in USA, he said that whatever happens, they will "continue to convey this message” for a just resolution of the Cyprus problem.

Moreover, he referred to a letter sent by the Hellenic-American state legislators to Congress, with which they ask to extend the waiver on the arms embargo to Cyprus to five years.

The Vice-President of WHIA and Member of the Ontario Provincial Parliament in Canada, Effie Triantafylopoulos, stressed the importance of ending the 50-year illegal occupation of Cyprus. She noted that on 13 June 2024, a motion was passed in the Parliament of Canada condemning the invasion and calling for a resolution. The motion will be presented to the President of the Republic during their meeting on Tuesday.

She also referred to the Canadian soldiers who served from 1963 to 1993 in UNFICYP, noting that 28 of them lost their lives in Cyprus.

Stavros Anthony, Lieutenant Governor of Nevada, born in the USA by Cypriot parents, said that “Cyprus seems to be the forgotten island”, adding that it’s imperative to put pressure on Turkey.

New York Assemblyman Michael Tannousis, whose parents are refugees, said that people are starting to forget that the island is divided in two and no justice was given to refugees. “We will do everything we can to seek justice for the people of Cyprus and a resolution” to the Cyprus problem, he said.

Steve Georganas, Federal Member of the Parliament in Australia, said that the Cyprus issue is raised on a regular basis in his country, noting that it is unacceptable for an EU country to be divided after 50 years. He also referred to the missing persons, demanding a resolution on the subject.

Stephan Pappas, Wyoming State Senator, said that “we, as legislators, would like to help the Cypriot government and the people of Cyprus to resolve the issue.”

Nicole Klarides, Connecticut State Representative expressed the need to encourage a dialogue, an understanding and reconciliation between Turks, Greeks, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.

Aris Babikian, also from Ontario’s Provisional Parliament, said that Cyprus cause is a just cause. “The world should react accordingly”, he noted, adding that a lot of international organisations and western countries are turning a blind eye to the Turkish occupation of Cyprus.

Annie Koutrakis, Federal Member of Parliament in Canada, speaking in Greek, said that Canada voted unanimously for a resolution condemning the illegal Turkish invasion and occupation in Cyprus.

Hryhoriy Nemyria, First Deputy Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Parliament of Ukraine noted the similarities between the situations in Ukraine and Cyprus, noting that frozen conflicts are dangerous. He added that “aggressors are always brutal and if they are not punished, they tend to return.”

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

CNA/MCH/EPH/2024

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

https://cna.org.cy/article/7051877

-Leonidas Raptakis, Rhode Island State Senator USA
-Stavros Anthony, Lt. Governor of Nevada USA
-Stephan Pappas, Wyoming State Senator USA
-Nicole Klarides-Ditria, Connecticut State Representative USA
-Assemblyman Michael Tannousis, New York USA
-Steve Georganas MP, Federal MP Australia
-Effie Triantafilopoulos, MPP Ontario CANADA
-Annie Koutrakis, Federal MP Canada
-Ari’s Babikian, MPP Ontario CANADA
-George Michalakis, MP Sourh Africa
-Hryhoriy Nemyria, First Deputy Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Parliament of Ukraine

The Governing Board and members of PADEE-WHIA met during their visit at the Hellenic Parliament with the 2nd Vice-President of the Parliament Mr Georgios Georgantas and the Secretary General of the Parliament Mr Vasileios Bagiokos. They presented the situation of the Greek diaspora in the countries where they live and are elected and discussed the initiatives and actions they undertake to promote Hellenism.

The Governing Board of the World Hellenic Inter-parliamentary Association (WHIA) / Παγκόσμια Διακοινοβουλευτική Ένωση Ελληνισμού (ΠΑΔΕΕ) visited the Hellenic Parliament on Wednesday, July 24, as part of its regular visit to Athens, under its President, US State Senator Leonidas Raptakis.
The delegation participated in the meeting of the Special Permanent Committee on Greeks Abroad and its Chairman MP Filippos Fortomas, while it had the opportunity to attend the special meeting of the Plenary Session for the 50th anniversary of the Restoration of Democracy

Επίσκεψη της Παγκόσμιας Διακοινοβουλευτικής Ένωσης Ελληνισμού στη Βουλή των Ελλήνων - Hellenic Post Γ. Κώτσηρας: «Πολύτιμη η συμβολή της Ελληνικής Διασποράς στην προώθηση των εθνικών μας θεμάτων»

It was a pleasure to meet with Giorgios Kotsiras, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, responsible for the Greek Diaspora.

At the reception of the President of the Hellenic Republic on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the Democracy Day

Greek-American and Cypriot-American legislators in New York gathered to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the illegal Turkish invasion and occupation of Cyprus 🇨🇾🇺🇸🇬🇷

Today marks the 50th dark anniversary of the illegal invasion and occupation of by Turkish troops. I joined Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis and members of the Greek-American and Cypriot-American communities in to condemn this injustice. As the son of Cypriot refugees, I will never stop fighting for justice and for Cyprus to be free! 🇨🇾🇺🇸

Commemoration of fallen Cypriots and Greeks during the Turkish invasion. Unveiling of a monument in the Greek village Belogiannis in Hungary in the presence of our member Laokratisz Koranisz, Advocate of the Greek Minority in Hungary.

From Cyprus invasion to SA politician: How Andrea Michaels' tough upbringing shaped her Andrea Michaels MP gives an interview to The Greek Herald to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus this year.

Statement of MP Canada Annie Koutrakis on the 50th anniversary of Turkish invasion in Cyprus.

My statement on the 50th anniversary of Turkish invasion in Cyprus.

Cyprus in Canada
Hellenic Congress of Quebec
Radio Akrites of Montreal
Hellenic Radio CFMB
105.1 MIKE FM
Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal
The Greek Herald
Greek City Times

Congratulations on the re-election of our Board Member MP Marietta Karamanli in the French Parliament. 🇫🇷🇬🇷

Εκλογές στη Γαλλία: Η Μαριέττα Καραμανλή επανεξελέγη βουλευτής Γεννήθηκε στην Ελλάδα και αυτή ήταν η Πέμπτη φορά που κατορθώνει να εκλεγεί στο γαλλικό κοινοβούλιο.

“MP Niki Ashton’s Motion on ending the Turkish occupation in Cyprus and Canada’s Cyprus peacekeepers has passed the House of Commons unanimously”

Canada‘s House of Commons has unanimously passed a resolution that marks the 50th anniversary of the two invasions of Cyprus by Turkey that led to the ongoing illegal occupation of 36% of the Republic of Cyprus. The resolution condemned the invasion, called for the end of the illegal occupation and supported efforts to reunify Cyprus.

The resolution also paid tribute to the more than 33,000 Canadians that served as peacekeepers in Cyprus, in particular the 28 that died during the nearly 30 year deployment.

In the resolution, Ms. Ashton highlighted the human cost of the invasion in terms of victims, missing persons and the displacement of more than 150,000 Cypriots.

Following the passage of the resolution, Ms. Ashton thanked all parties in the House of Commons for their support. She also credited Senator Leo Housakos and Members of Parliament Emmanuella Lambropoulos and Annie Koutrakis for their efforts to ensure the House of Commons passed the motion unanimously

Following the passage of the resolution, Ashton stressed just how important this motion from the House of Commons is. “We made a clear statement that we not only condemned the invasion and continued occupation of the Republic of Cyprus but that we have not forgotten what happened and that we will continue to work for the reunification of Cyprus.”

“We also made a clear statement, recognizing the sacrifice and commitment of so many Canadians, the Canadian peacekeepers who did everything they could under extremely difficult circumstances to help save lives. We will remember their service and sacrifice.”

Finally Ashton stressed that “We will remember the invasion and commit to nothing less than fighting for justice for Cypriots and the reunification of Cyprus".

MP Niki Ashton Presents Motion on Cyprus Reunification in Canadian Parliament Text of Motion:Mr Speaker, there have been discussions among the parties, and if you seek it, I hope you will find unanimous consent for the following motion...

With the HELLAS LIBERTY ship in the back. Sen. Raptakis was a leader in the successful Liberty Project, an ambitious effort which secured Congressional passage of a Special Act authorizing the donation of the Arthur M. Huddell, the last remaining Liberty Ship in private hands, to Greece for use as a floating museum in Piraeus. It is dedicated to the history of the Greek merchant marine and its impact on the nation, as well as the historic ties of friendship between Greece and the United States.
Here with the Commandant of the Hellenic Coast Guard and the Stefanou Brothers, owners of Golden Star Ferries.

President of PADEE-WHIA attended the event of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy on the occasion of the POSIDONIA 2024.
Commandant of the Hellenic Coast Guard Vice Admiral Georgios Alexandrakis, Minister Christos Stylianides, Rhode Island State Senator Leonidas Raptakis and Deputy Minister Ioannis Pappas.

Bipartisan Hellenic-American State Legislators, members of PADEE-WHIA, call on Congress to lift Cyprus embargo.

RI STATE SENATOR LOU RAPTAKIS AND BIPARTISAN HELLENIC-AMERICAN STATE LEGISLATORS CALL ON CONGRESS TO LIFT CYPRUS EMBARGO - Greek Portal | Hellenic News of America U.S.-Cyprus relations have strengthened substantially, with Cyprus emerging as a pivotal ally for U.S. interests and regional stability

Our Vice Presdient Effie Triantafilopoulos at the Hellenic Heritage Foundation’s 25th Annual Blue & White Gala in Toronto, Canada. The Premier of Ontario Doug Ford dropped by to say hello and express his appreciation for the contributions and achievements made by the Greek community to the great province of Ontario. Our members Senator Leo Housakos and MPP Aris Babikian were also present 🇨🇦🇬🇷 Congratulations to the Hellenic Heritage Foundation on its commitment to advancing Hellenic education, culture and heritage in Canada and raising over $16M to support its many philanthropic initiatives.

Our Australian Federal Members of Parliament had the pleasure of welcoming the newly appointed Ambassador of Greece to Australia HE Stavros Venizelos to the Federal Parliament.
The Greek Ambassador met with members of the Parliamentary friendship group of Greece. Present were Steve Georganas MP, Michael McCormack MP, Maria Vamvakinou MP, Luke Gosling MP and Greek Community member of Canberra Mr. John Loukadellis. After the meeting the Ambassador attended Question Time and followed the proceedings.

French MP Marietta Karamanli met during her visit in Greece with the Vice President of the Hellenic Parliament Giannis Plakiotakis and the Ambassador of France in Greece Laurence Auer.

Board member of PADEE-WHIA, French MP Marietta Karamanli attended the Olympic flame handover ceremony for Paris 2024 Olympic Games that took place in Patra, at the town hall and at the house of Greek poet Kostis Palamas, who wrote the Olympic Hymn. The torch relay on Rio-Antirrio bridge overlapped with the bridge’s 20th anniversary celebrated by French company VINCI who led the French-Greek consortium that constructed the bridge, and honored French-Greek friendship 🇫🇷 🇬🇷

Chair of Committee on Greeks Abroad & MP Cyclades Filippos Fortomas / Φίλιππος Φόρτωμας met with French MP Marietta Karamanli, Board member of PADEE-WHIA. The discussion was held in a warm atmosphere, while both sides proposed the promotion of the Greek and French language, history and culture in the two countries, through the cooperation of the Ministers of Education. At the same time, Mr. Fortomas pointed out the need to deepen Philhellenism within French society, which will certainly further contribute to the strengthening of bilateral relations. For her part, Mrs. Karamanli spoke about the traditionally good relations between France and Greece and expressed her will and commitment to work towards an even closer cooperation between the two countries.

American BC University honored distinguished Maritime Leader Capt. Dimitris Matthaiou, President of AHEPA Chapter Maritime St. Nicholas, with an honorary doctorate in the presence of the President Dr. Vijay Kumar, Vice President Dr. Dimitris Kamsaris, State Senator Leonidas Lou Raptakis, Mr. Karapiperis Christos, Governor of AHEPA Greece and other esteemed guests.

Our President State Senator Leonidas Lou Raptakis participated at the Fifth Economist New York - Eastern Mediterranean Business Summit at the panel FORGING PEACE AND STABILITY IN THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN REGION: WHAT ARE THE IMMEDIATE PRIORITIES? with Congressman Michael Lawler, Ted Deutch, Chief Executive Officer of American Jewish Committee, Michael Rubin, senior fellow of the American Enterprise Institute and Joan Hoey, The Economist Group. He met also with George Papanastasiou, Minister of Energy, Commerce, and Industry of Cyprus.