Rep. Klarides-Ditria, World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association (W.H.I.A.) hold meetings in Cyprus

State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria (R-105) recently joined a dozen colleagues from the World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association (WHIA), a global organization that comprises of elected members of legislatures of Hellenic descent, to visit the Republic of Cyprus to mark the 50th anniversary of the invasion of the island and to express its support for the Republic and encourage the reunification of the island.

The WHIA delegation was comprised of elected legislators of Greek and Cypriot descent from Australia, Canada, South Africa, Ukraine and the United States.

The delegation was fortunate to meet with several important leaders, including the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, where they expressed their support for the Republic and its efforts to seek a lasting and peaceful solution for reunification.

The delegation met with the Minister of Defense, Vasilis Palmas, and the Cypriot National Guard to and the  Hellenic Forces in Cyprus (ELDYK) where they paid their respects to the soldiers who lost their lives as a result of the invasion. They also visited the Green Line in Nicosia with the Mayor, Charalambos Prountzos, and spoke with civil society stakeholders.

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 Organisation for Young Overseas Cypriots (NEPOMAK).

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 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.