The 42^nd   Annual General Meeting (85^th GM) of the Association of Rizokarpasso held in the hall of the Cypriot Community Centre, Wood Green, was well attended, and gave the opportunity for the members present to discuss the many challenges faced by Cyprus and the specific issues regarding Rizokarpasso, especially in relation to the plight of compatriots who have been enclaved for 42 years and denied basic human rights.

Maria Karaolis, the President, presented a report of the Association’s activities since the last General Meeting. Andreas Gavrielides, the Treasurer, presented the Financial Report; and Pavlos Pavlou, the presented the Auditors report.  The members present said they would be exercising their democratic right to vote on Thursday 23^rd June Referendum on Britain’s membership of the EU. The meeting finished with all the members enjoying souvlakia, catching up on news and discussing their arrangements for the Association’s summer trip to Southend on Sunday 3^rd July and Dinner & Dance of the Association on Saturday 5^th November. All members present received a copy of the booklet by  Yianni Stavrinou Economide “History of Apostolos Andreas Monastery” written in Greek and originally published in 1967 and recently reprinted.

There was unanimous approval for the adoption of the Resolution to be sent to the UK Prime Minister, President of the USA, President of the European Parliament, President of the European Council, President of the European Union, UN Secretary General, Members of the UN Security Council, Commonwealth Secretary General, NATO Secretary General.

 RESOLUTION

 Adopted by the members of The Association of Rizokarpasso in Britain at the AGM Sunday 13^th March 2016

Rizokarpasso, in the occupied part of northern Cyprus, had approximately 4,000 Greek Cypriot inhabitants 42 years ago when Turkey invaded Cyprus. Only 228 enclaved Greek Cypriots, of whom 39 are school children, remain in Rizokarpasso.  On a daily basis, the enclaved are denied human rights and basic freedoms. The desecration of the cemetery in Rizokarpasso and the looting and destruction of most of the churches is part of the cultural destruction of the occupied areas which is Turkey’s deliberate policy of ethnic cleansing so that all traces of Greek Cypriot presence in northern Cyprus is eradicated.

Turkey violates the Fourth Geneva Convention which forbids an occupying power to transfer parts of its own population into the territory it occupies.  Over 200,000 Turkish national were transferred from Turkey to settle in northern Cyprus and take over the homes and properties of Greek Cypriots.

At a time when the coalition nations are using UK bases in Cyprus for global security reasons it is important that powerful nations and international bodies act with integrity to stop Turkey from threatening and violating the independence and sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus, which is an EU state, a member of the UN and of the Commonwealth and is a democracy that provides stability, support and refuge in a volatile region.

The continued occupation of Cyprus by over 40,000 Turkish troops and over 200,000 settlers from Turkey violates human rights, fundamental freedoms and social justice and the very principles at the heart of democracy. Turkey is in flagrant violation of international law and of the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions including General Assembly Resolution 3212 (1974).  We believe that Turkey’s role as a NATO member should be reviewed and its progress towards EU membership should be frozen until it complies with international law and UN Resolutions. Turkey mistreats its minorities, violates freedom of speech, restricts the media and press; it is not a democracy and should not be allowed to exploit the current migration crisis in Europe to avoid complying with the standards that other NATO and EU nations uphold.

A negotiated solution for Cyprus should encompass:

1. a) The reunification of the island and people of Cyprus.
2. b) The removal of all Turkish troops from Cyprus.
3. c) The repatriation to Turkey of over 200,000 illegal settlers in Cyprus.
4. d) The return of all properties to their lawful owners.
5. e) The return of all the refugees to their homes and properties in safety.
6. f) The abolition of the anachronistic Guarantor Status held by other countries.
7. g) The full and effective investigation of the fate of all the missing persons.

The 41^st  Annual General Meeting (84^th  GM) of the Association of Rizokarpasso held in the hall of the Cypriot Community Centre, Wood Green, was very well attended, and gave the opportunity for the members present to discuss the many challenges faced by Cyprus and the specific issues regarding Rizokarpasso, especially in relation to the plight of compatriots who have been enclaved for over 40 years and denied basic human rights.  Members began the AGM with one minute silence in remembrance, with great sorrow, that in the past year several members of the Association had passed away.

Maria Karaolis, the President, presented a report of the Association’s activities since the last General Meeting.  Members were appalled that the Headteacher and teacher of English had been expelled from Rizokarpasso by the illegal regime in occupied Cyprus with no reason given.  There was disappointment that even though the Association had written to the British High Commissioner and the United States Ambassador in Cyprus, to the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office and to British politicians, no progress was made on the issue and no explanation provided by the illegal regime for their action.   Andreas Gavrielides, the Treasurer, presented the Financial Report; Tony Vouros and Pavlos Pavlou, the Auditors, presented their report.

The members present said they would be exercising their democratic right to vote on Thursday 7^th May General Election and to tell political campaigners that they expect their MP to work on their behalf for a just and viable solution for Cyprus. The meeting finished with all the members enjoying souvlakia, catching up on news and discussing their arrangements for the Association’s summer trip to Eastbourne on Sunday 21^st June and to the 40^th Anniversary Dinner & Dance of the Association on Sunday 29^th November.

The 12 Executive Committee members for the period 2015-2017 are shown below. The strength of the Association is evident by the fact that the committee includes new members, young British born Cypriots and members who were born in Rizokarpasso.  This shows the success of the first generation in passing on their love of and commitment to Rizokarpasso, and Cyprus in general, to their children and grandchildren; all are proud of their roots and are dedicated to working hard to support the enclaved and promote justice for Cyprus as well as serving the members of their Association.

President – Maria Karaolis

Vice-President – Michael Lidas

Treasurer – Andreas  Gavrielides

Yiannis Chronias

Kate Christoforou

Nicki Elia

Andreas Joannou

Maria Panteli

Antony Petrou

Evangelos Petrou

Daphne Sofocleous

Andreas Strongolou

Dear Member

 Sunday 26^th April, 3.00 pm – Annual General Meeting – Cypriot Community Centre

Our Association’s Dinner and Dance on November 29^th this year marks the 40^th Anniversary of our Association please note the date and book to come with your family and friends, our Association and Charity needs your support.

Since our last members meeting we have continued to write numerous letters on a range of issues to high profile national and world political leaders and to the press. In our letters and in public meetings we constantly raise a number of issues e.g. the continued denial of human rights of the enclaved Greek Cypriots in Rizokarpasso by the illegal administration, the rights of the legal owners of properties in occupied north Cyprus, the expulsion of the Headteacher and a teacher from Rizokarpasso. 

In the UK General Election on Thursday 7^th May 2015, you have one vote to elect your constituency MP. When politicians come knocking on your door to secure your vote, ask them what their views are on Cyprus and use your vote accordingly.  It is essential that you and all Greek Cypriots vote on Thursday 7^th May so that we are seen as a politically aware and active community, this will strengthen our voice and our support for justice for Cyprus.   20^th April is the last date you can register to vote, you can register by going onto the website below:

https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote?gclid=CJi–rflpMQCFWbKtAodIQQAhw

£5 Membership is due at the meeting from each member.  This contributes to the cost of the souvlakia at the two members meeting per year, the cost of the summer outing lunch and also entitles the member to vote in the election of the new Committee for 2015-2017.

Please note the following dates – your attendance and involvement is essential if we are to succeed:

Sunday 29^th March – National Federation of Cypriots  National Celebration of 25^th March/1^st April – Ashmole Academy, Cecil Road, London N14 5RJ – 3.30pm

Sunday 26^th April, 3.00 pm  Annual General Meeting at the Cypriot Community Centre, Wood Green, N22

1)  President’s Report – Mary Karaolis

• Treasurer’s Report – Andreas Gavrielides
• Auditor’s Report
• Resolutions to be sent to world leaders.
• O.B – Διαφορα
• Nomination & Elections of new Committee 2015-2017
• Refreshments – Souvlakia

Thursday  7^th  May  – UK General Election – exercise your democratic right as a citizen and vote

Sunday 21^st   June Summer Outing to Eastbourne

Sunday 5^th July –Trafalgar Square Rally 3.30pm

July – 7.00pm House of Commons Lobby for Cyprus

Sunday 29^th  November 7.00 pm- Dinner & Dance

Yours sincerely

Mrs Mary Helen Karaolis OBE  BEd(Hons)   MA  NPQH  FCollT

on behalf of the Executive Committee