The Federation’s President Peter Papanicoalou welcomed the dignitaries and guests while stressing the organization’s main purpose, “to promote the rights and freedoms of the Cypriot people and work towards the termination of the illegal occupation of Cyprus from Turkey.”

The Cyprus Federation of America (KOA) was established along the same lines and it serves as the uniting vehicle of all major initiatives and efforts towards a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem. At the same time, its focus has also turned to the American born generations of Greek Cypriots who are already the majority and represent its big hope for the future. Through the youth organization established a few years ago, KOA is trying to bring the young adults closer to the cause and to their roots. In coordination with the University of Cyprus, a very ambitious program brings students of Cypriot descent to the island every summer in an attempt to reinforce the connection through first had experiences.

This time Greek Cypriots and Hellenes all over the world are in anticipation of another diplomatic marathon in order to solve the Cyprus issue. While signs from the Turkish side have been mixed as always, there is a mild optimism, unofficially expressed, that something tangible might be in the offing.?