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.
The Association of Rizokarpasso was represented by its President, Mary Karaolis, at the Annual Cyprus Parliamentary meeting and reception in the Houses of Parliament on Tuesday, 14 July. The guest speaker at the meeting and reception was His Excellency the Foreign Minister of Cyprus, Dr Constantinos Kombos. The event was organised by the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK jointly with the All Party Parliamentary Group for Cyprus and was attended by 27 MPs and Lords as well as a large number of Cypriot diaspora guests.
Bambos Charalambous MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Cyprus welcomed Parliamentarians and Guests to the event and emphasised the important work of the APPG in raising awareness about Cyprus in Parliament.
The Foreign Minister of Cyprus, Dr Constantinos Kombos, gave the main address. Dr Kombos thanked all parliamentary friends of Cyprus for their support for Cyprus, before saying that UK-Cyprus relations are stronger than ever adding that “there is plenty of room to work together constructively”. The Foreign Minister also described Cyprus as a “bridge between the Middle East and Europe” and a “credible, reliable ally and friend”. On the Cyprus problem, he said “I know this is something that is at the heart of many of you here”, before emphasising that our side is “ready for substantive negotiations, only and exclusively within the framework set by the UN Security Council”.
Europe Minister Stephen Doughty MP praised the work that the Federation does “speaking up for Cypriots across the UK” and highlighted the strong presence of Cypriots in his own constituency in Wales. Minister Doughty also highlighted the great relationship he and the UK Government has with Foreign Minister Kombos and Cyprus more broadly. He congratulated Dr Kombos for a successful Cyprus EU Council Presidency, which “strengthened EU-UK ties”. Additionally, Minister Doughty underscored that “as a guarantor power (the UK) remains committed to supporting a just and lasting settlement” for Cyprus, namely a Bizonal Bicommunal Federation with political equality.
Shadow Europe Minister Wendy Morton MP also thanked the Federation for the work that it does. Shadow Minister Morton emphasised the “enduring friendship” between the UK and Cyprus, as well as the “valuable contribution that British Cypriots make to every aspect of life here in the UK”. She went on to say that for “many families the legacy of the 1974 conflict remains deeply personal”. She underlined that “the UK has consistently supported efforts to achieve a comprehensive and lasting settlement under UN auspices and the UN framework.”
Liberal Democrat Business Spokesperson Sarah Olney MP also spoke at the event. Olney stressed that she adds her party’s support to the cross-party support to Cyprus. She also committed her party to the “goal of reuniting Cyprus”.
Sir Roger Gale MP, Honorary President of the APPG for Cyprus said that he came to the event “as a Cypriot”. He went on to add that “52 years since the Turkish invasion, too many people did not live to return to their homes.” Finally, he reiterated that he will stand with Cyprus for as long as it takes.
The Federation’s President, Christos Karaolis, in his welcome remarks expressed his appreciation to the Parliamentary friends of Cyprus for attending the event, before highlighting the further strengthening of bilateral relations between the UK and Cyprus in recent years. He went on to say that “since 2022, Cyprus and the UK have signed two MoU’s encompassing policy areas from defence to climate” and thanked Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for his “historic visit to Cyprus”. Mr Karaolis also stressed that “under the leadership of our next Prime Minister, it is a priority of ours to ensure that these relationships not only endure but flourish.” Finally, he spoke about the effort to end Turkey’s illegal on-going occupation, reiterating the steadfast commitment of the Federation and Cypriot diaspora to a solution within the agreed UN framework.
On 5th July, a sunny Sunday afternoon, the Cypriot Community Centre grand hall was filled with first, second, third and fourth generation Rizokarpassides ranging in age from 2 to 92 to celebrate their Rizokarpasso roots and enjoy a delicious traditional Cypriot summer buffet with family and friends. Some danced to the music of Sotiris Shangoli and all enjoyed the company of friends and relatives in what was a truly, family and friends orientated, joyful community atmosphere. We recalled and were proud of our ethnic roots but also remembered the sacrifice that our enclaved compatriots in Rizokarpasso have made since 1974 and their heroic decision to remain in their ancestral homes. Although a very small number of compatriots have returned to Rizokarpasso recently, as the years pass, the original enclaved people are growing older and their numbers are decreasing, whilst there were about 4,000 Greek Cypriots in Rizokarpasso before the Turkish invasion of 1974, there are now 258 of which 52 are school children.
The President of the National Federation of Cypriots UK Christos Karaolis, whose maternal grandmother was from Rizokarpasso, attended the event as did the Executive Secretary of the Greek Cypriot Brotherhood Andreas Karaolis. The President of the Association of Rizokarpasso Mary Karaolis welcomed and thanked those present for their commitment and continuous support and Maria Demetriou Vice President of the Association was MC. Everyone agreed that it was great to have the opportunity to have lunch together and catch up with family and friends. There was a special welcome for Costas Hadjiyiannis (Zardis) and family who had travelled 194 miles from Leeds to attend the event and have lunch with family and friends and also to Androulla and Sotiris Constantinou who celebrated their 50th Anniversary. Everyone was delighted to be enjoying their meal at tables, that were not numbered but instead were allocated Rizokarpasso place names e.g. Afendrika, Agios Philon, Asprokolympos, Agios Synesios, Agios Therissos, Agia Triada, Apostolos Andreas, Bashiammos, Helones, Korakas, Leko, Livae, The older people present explained to the second and subsequent generations where these places were in Rizokarpasso, where their illegally occupied properties were located and what a beautiful and historically significant place Rizokarpasso is.
Members met for the Annual General Meeting of the Association of Rizokarpasso held at the Cypriot Community Centre, Wood Green. The Association was established in 1975 following the Turkish invasion and continued occupation of the northern part of the Republic of Cyprus and has held an AGM every year except for 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid Pandemic. They discussed the challenges faced by Cyprus and especially in relation to the plight of compatriots who have been enclaved for over 50 years and their denial of Human Rights. The members discussed the activities of the Association and looked forward to their forthcoming Summer Lunch and Dance at the Cypriot Community Centre on 5th July which will be enjoyed by all their family members regardless of their age, remembering their heritage and Rizokarpasso roots.
The President of the Association, Mary Karaolis, presented the Association’s activities since the last AGM showing that the Association and its members continue to engage in political and philanthropic activities for Cyprus. The Association has actively participated in the National Federation of Cypriots in UK “Hands off Cyprus” campaign and over 200 members sent emails to the Member of Parliament where they lived, covering 44 Parliamentary constituencies throughout the country. Members were reminded that they should complete the NFC Register of Property in Occupied Cyprus if they have not already done so. The Association has: been represented at NFC meetings in Parliament; regularly sent letters to Members of Parliament e.g. regarding attempts to recognise the illegal airport in occupied Cyprus; reported and sent letters when the media have tried to promote illegally occupied north Cyprus; participated in demonstrations outside the Turkish Embassy.
The Association has been represented at numerous community and philanthropic events in the UK and also at POMAK (World Conference for Overseas Cypriots) in Nicosia. Following the POMAK Conference, Rizokarpasso Kinodarchis and member of the Union of Displaced Communities of Famagusta, Michalis Mikeli Panteli, together with Elena Vlasiou, President of the Association of Rizokarpasso in Cyprus met in Larnaca at the Union of Displaced Communities of Famagusta, with Mary Karaolis, President of the Association of Rizokarpasso in Britain, and Rizokarpassides Kostas Kolatsis from South Africa, Michael Mechanicou from Australia and Christos Karaolis President of the National Federation of Cypriots in UK and President POMAK, (a 3rd generation UK born Cypriot whose grandmother was born in Rizokarpasso) to discuss initiatives to promote awareness of Rizokarpasso and the enclaved. The Association once again sent each of the 52 enclaved school children a Christmas card and a €100 present funded jointly by the Help Rizokarpasso Charity and the Hive Foundation; gave donations to charities in memory of members e.g. to Cancer Research, Royal Free Hospital Charity as well as to the Government of Cyprus Wildfire Support Account.
Each member present at the AGM again received a Cyprus map lapel pin which they can gift to a relative or friend to wear and use as a talking point to raise the profile of Cyprus and the need for a just and viable solution. The members passed a Resolution to be sent to the UK Prime Minister, President of the USA, President of the European Commission, President of the European Council, President of the European Parliament, UN Secretary General, NATO Secretary General, Secretary General of the Commonwealth of Nations, ambassadors of the UN Security Council 15 member countries and Germany. Our Resolution includes the need for a negotiated solution for Cyprus to encompass:
a) The reunification of the island and people of Cyprus,
b) The removal of all Turkish troops from Cyprus.
c) The repatriation to Turkey of illegal settlers in Cyprus.
d) The return of all properties to their lawful owners.
e) The return of all the refugees to their homes and properties in safety.
f) The abolition of the anachronistic Guarantor Status held by other countries.
g) The full and effective investigation of the fate of all the missing persons.
The members remembered the sacrifices of the enclaved in Rizokarpasso, especially teacher Yiannoulla Lazaridou Vasiliou (1937 – 17.10.2025) who remained enclaved in Rizokarpasso until her retirement in 1996 so she could teach the enclaved schoolchildren. Poems on “Rizokarpasso” by Zacharias Demetri Charou were read by his niece Maria Demetriou, Vice President of the Association of Rizokarpasso in Britain. The meeting finished with members enjoying souvlakia and catching up with friends; it was an enjoyable opportunity to socialise in good company and remember Rizokarpasso.
Katina was born on 29 April 1926 in Rizokarpasso, Cyprus. She came to the UK in 1947. She taught herself English by listening to the radio and reading posters and signs in the streets. She married and had two daughters Anna, now aged 70, and Eleana who sadly passed away in 2005. Katina now has 4 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
Katina has always been a joyful, caring, loving person and an active member of the wider community and of the Association of Rizokarpasso.
She currently lives in a care home in Finchley and she absolutely loves it there; bringing laughter and joy to all around her. Her family and many of her friends celebrated her 100th birthday with her at a garden party at her care home. Katina also enjoyed afternoon tea with the Mayor of Barnet to celebrate her 100th Birthday.
She was delighted to see everyone at her Birthday Party where she enjoyed the buffet, was pleased with her special birthday cake and very proud to have received a birthday card from the King!
Our Association sent each of the 52 enclaved school children in Rizokarpasso a Christmas card and a Christmas present of €100 (€50 from our Association and €50 donated by Anna Kleanthous).
Wishing you all a Happy Christmas and a Joyful, Healthy, Prosperous New Year in which Cyprus is free of occupation troops and illegal settlers and properties are returned to their legal owners.
It was a momentous day for St Andrew the Apostle Greek Orthodox School, the only state funded Greek Orthodox Secondary School in the UK, as the community came together to celebrate the official opening of the new school building. The official opening was carried out by the Rt Hon Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson MP, and His Grace, Bishop Iakovos of Claudiopolis.
The ceremony included Bishop Iakovos leading a service on behalf of His Eminence, Archbishop Nikitas of Great Britain and Thyateira, during which he blessed the new building and unveiled a portrait of His Eminence the late Archbishop Gregorios. Archbishop Gregorios’s vision and support were instrumental in the establishment of the school, which opened in 2013. Archbishop Gregorios’s portrait is now displayed in the main reception as a lasting tribute to his legacy.
Guests at the event included His Excellency the Cyprus High Commissioner Dr Kyriacos Kouros, Members of Parliament, His Worshipful the Mayor of Barnet, the Leader of Barnet Council and Councillors and members of the wider community.
Ms Phillipson addressed the audience warmly, acknowledging the hard work and dedication that had gone into the project, and she also took time to meet with the Year 12 Politics students and the Student Council.
Speaking at the ceremony to open the campus, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “I know that this school, like so many schools across the country, is at the centre of its local community. It’s a real pleasure to be here for the opening of this fantastic new campus. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who made it possible, for all you’ve done for the children who will pass through this wonderful new school this year, next year, and for generations to come”.
The Association of Rizokarpasso was represented in the National Federation of Cypriots secretariat team which delivered a resolution to the Ambassador of Turkey at the Turkish Embassy. The resolution called for Turkey’s reversal of the illegal ‘UDI’, and its return to the negotiating table. The letter emphasised that any negotiations must be conducted within the agreed UN framework and international law, “for the reunification of Cyprus on the basis of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with political equality as described in UN resolutions; with a single sovereignty, single international personality and single citizenship.”
The Association of Rizokarpasso in Britain was represented at the World Conference Of Cyprus Diaspora, (POMAK), in Nicosia, by Maria McVey, Joanna Vikentio Nicola and Mary Karaolis. We were pleased to meet at the Conference delegates Kostas Kolatsis from South Africa and Michael Mechanicou from Australia. We were delighted that the new President of POMAK is Christos Karaolis whose grandmother Andriana Hadjiyiangou was born in Rizokarpasso.
Following the Conference, Rizokarpasso Kinodarchis and member of the Union of Displaced Communities of Famagusta, Michalis Mikeli Panteli, together with Elena Vlasiou, President of the Association of Rizokarpasso in Cyprus met at the Union of Displaced Communities of Famagusta, (Ένωσις Εκτοπισμένων Κοινοτήτων Αμμοχώστου) (Ε.Ε.Κ.Α.), in Larnaca with Mary Karaolis, President of the Association of Rizokarpasso in Britain, and Rizokarpassides Kostas Kolatsis from South Africa, Michael Mechanicou from Australia and Christos Karaolis President of the National Federation of Cypriots in UK and President POMAK.
We discussed a wide range of issues including the problems faced by the enclaved Rizokarpassides such as movement, culture and religion; the issues the schools in Rizokarpasso have to deal with and how this impacts on the students education; how to maintain and enhance the Rizokarpasso associations; how to enlighten and inform the wider community in Cyprus and overseas about Rizokarpasso, eg its traditions, history and current existence under Turkish occupation; the problems created by illegal settlers in Rizokarpasso using the properties legally owned by Rizokarpassides in Cyprus and overseas.
