The 50th World Conference Of Cypriot Diaspora 2026 in Nicosia was opened by Foreign Minister Dr Constantinos Kombos on behalf of His Excellency President Nikos Christodoulides. At the opening ceremony Christos Karaolis, the President of the World Federation of Overseas Cypriots, (born in England and proud of his Cypriot roots, remembering his grandparents from Morphou, Rizokarpasso and Sysklipos), said in his speech:

“Αναλαμβάνω αυτόν τον ρόλο ως ο πέμπτος Πρόεδρος της ΠΟΜΑΚ και ο πρώτος που έχει γεννηθεί εκτός Κύπρου. Έχω όμως βαθιές ρίζες στην Κύπρο. Οι παππούδες και οι γιαγιάδες μου κατάγονται από την κατεχόμενη Μόρφου, το Ριζοκάρπασο και το Σύσκληπο. Αυτές οι ρίζες δεν ξεχνιούνται. Αυτές οι ρίζες με καθορίζουν.”

The Opening Ceremony was attended by the Archbishop of Cyprus, Archbishop Georgios, the President of the Parliament Annita Demetriou, the Deputy Minister for Greek Diaspora Affairs Ioannis-Michael Loverdos, the General Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Theodora Konstantinidou, Members of Parliament, representatives of embassies and organized groups. The group from Rizokarpasso met for a brief discussion and photo with Mary Karaolis, and Clea Hadjistephanou Papaellina, (Deputy Minister of Social Welfare) and consisted of Michalis Mikellis Panteli, (Community Leader of the Anavrysi Parish Rizokarpaso), Andreas Chronias, (Community Leader of the Leko Parish Rizokarpaso), Elena Vlasiou Constanti, (President of the Rizokarpaso Association), Niki Chronia Kafkalia, (President of the Rizokarpaso Folklore Group).

Over the following days Ministers from Foreign, Energy, Defence and European Ministries briefed the delegates on the Cyprus issue as well as foreign and domestic issues.

President Nicos Christodoulides hosted a reception for delegates at the Presidential Palace and the British High Commissioner held a reception for the UK diaspora delegates at his official residence. Commemorations were held for those lost in the liberation struggle of 1955-1959 and the Turkish invasion of1974.

As with previous Conferences there was the opportunity for Rizokarpassides to meet up again, Kostas Kolatsis from South Africa,  Michael Michanicou from Australia and Mary Karaolis UK.

The Association of Rizokarpasso in Britain has sent a series of formal letters to senior international leaders, organisations and diplomatic representatives calling for renewed international action to address the continuing occupation of part of the Republic of Cyprus and to support a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Cyprus issue.

There is a consistent message in the letters: that the international community should move from expressions of support to practical action in defence of the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of the Republic of Cyprus.

The letters mark the 52nd anniversary of Turkey’s 1974 invasion of Cyprus and highlight the continuing impact of the occupation on displaced persons, enclaved communities, (such as those in Rizokarpasso), and property owners. They also draw attention to the strategic importance of Cyprus amid growing regional instability and recent security developments affecting the island.

The correspondence calls upon the international community to reaffirm its commitment to the implementation of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and to support the resumption of meaningful negotiations aimed at achieving a comprehensive settlement based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, a single sovereignty, a single international personality and a single citizenship.

The letters also urge stronger opposition to actions that undermine prospects for reunification, including developments in Varosha, violations within Cyprus’s Exclusive Economic Zone and the United Nations Buffer Zone, while emphasising the importance of safeguarding the rights of displaced persons, protecting property rights and ensuring Cyprus’s long-term security. Many Association members, or their parents or grandparents, were born in Rizokarpasso; they own homes and properties in Rizokarpasso and elsewhere in occupied  Cyprus, and they look to powerful influential organisations and nations to play a crucial role in supporting and facilitating a just solution for all the legal citizens of Cyprus.

In addition, the correspondence raises concerns regarding the continuing presence of Turkish military forces and settlers in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus and calls for all parties to uphold international law and comply fully with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations.

Cyprus has consistently demonstrated its value as a reliable democratic partner, providing humanitarian assistance and facilitating the evacuation of civilians during crises in Israel, Lebanon and Sudan. The letters argue that this contribution to regional stability should be matched by renewed international engagement in support of Cyprus’s security, sovereignty and reunification.

The Association of Rizokarpasso hopes that there will be renewed diplomatic engagement and practical measures by governments and international organisations to advance a just, peaceful and enduring settlement of the Cyprus question in accordance with international law and the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.