Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 08-08-23

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From: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>

CONTENTS

[01] OVERSEAS CYPRIOTS - PRESS CONFERENCE

[02] GAZA - ACTIVISTS - PROBLEMS

[01] OVERSEAS CYPRIOTS - PRESS CONFERENCE

Overseas Cypriots, who held in Nicosia the 22nd Conference of the Central Council of the World Federation for Overseas Cypriots (POMAK) and the International Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA), and the 4th Conference of the World Organisation for Young Overseas Cypriots (NEPOMAK), said they were satisfied with the information they received from the government of Cyprus about the recent developments regarding the Cyprus problem, but noted the need for strengthening the enlightenment campaign.

POMAK President Haris Sofoklides said that during the Conference, the Cypriot overseas organisations received encouraging messages as regards the need to place greater emphasis on enlightenment and added that the government of Cyprus appreciates this.

PSEKA President Phillip Christopher said he was satisfied with the positive response of the government of Cyprus regarding the proposals of the overseas organizations on how to strengthen the enlightenment efforts especially ahead of the direct negotiations which will begin September 3rd between the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus, with the aim to reunify the island, divided since the Turkish invasion of 1974.

He urged Cypriot businesspeople to financially contribute to the enlightenment campaigns abroad and proposed the establishment of an independent fund towards this end.

People forget and we must constantly remind them that the Cyprus problem is a problem of invasion and occupation by Turkey, of refugees and illegal settlers, he said.

Asked whether he would seek to meet US Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, Christopher said that Obama has already attended and addressed the PSEKA Conference in Washington, adding that he would also attend the Democrats Conference.

He noted that efforts to determine some principles as regards the Cyprus problem are also addressed to the US Republican Party.

In his statements, NEPOMAK President Christos Karaolis referred to the efforts made by the overseas organizations as regards the second and third generation of Cypriots and their contacts with Cyprus.

He said the efforts aim at bringing Cypriots closer to their roots in order to contribute to the overseas organisations efforts to support the struggle of Cyprus for justice.

[02] GAZA - ACTIVISTS - PROBLEMS

The Cyprus team of the Free Gaza Movement said on its website that it was able to briefly speak with the activists on board the two boats who are said to be fine. The activists had asked them to release a statement which said that are victims of electronic piracy.

The electronic systems which guarantee our safety aboard the SS Free Gaza and SS Liberty have been jammed and scrambled. Both ships are flying Greek flags, and are in international waters. We are the victims of electronic piracy. We are currently in GMS P area A2 and we are relying on our satellite communications equipment to make a distress call, if needed, the statement by the international human rights workers aboard the SS Free Gaza and SS Liberty, Sailing to Gaza said.

The activists from 17 countries sailed in two wooden boats and are expected to reach the shores of Gaza, patrolled by the Israeli navy later Saturday.

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