Australian Cypriots commemorate 1974 tragedy

August 2019

Cypriot communities in Australia have held events to condemn the military coup by the Greek junta and EOKA B’ and the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in the summer of 1974.

Members of the Cypriot diaspora, representatives of the Greek communities in Australia, organizations and friends of Cyprus attended the events.

On Sunday 14 July, the Justice for Cyprus Committee (SEKA) in conjunction with the Cyprus Community of South Australia held a wreath laying ceremony at the Community’s Memorial in Welland, attended by representatives of the South Australian Government and Opposition as well as many community leaders.

Speakers at the event were, David Pisoni MP representing the Premier Stephen Marshall, Tom Koutsantonis representing the Leader of the Opposition Peter Malinauskas, the Greek Consul General George Psiachas, the Cyprus Community President Andreas Evdokiou and SEKA Chairman Peter Ppiros.

Also in attendance, were, GOCSA President Bill Gonis, Bishop Nikandros of Doryleon, Archdiocesan Intercommunal President Con Dalas, Pan Macedonian representative John Mitroussides, the Treasurer of the Federation of Greek Orthodox Communities of Australia Demetris Dimo-poulos and many representatives of local Greek community associations.

On Wednesday 17 July, as part of the commemorative events, the a public meeting was held at the Cyprus Community clubrooms with guest speaker, on current developments in Cyprus, the Presidential Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus Mr Photis Photiou representing the President Nikos Anastasiades. Also in attendance was the High Commissioner of Cyprus in Canberra Martha Mavrommatis.

Mr Photiou and Mrs Martha Mavrommatis, visited the SA Parliament and met with Jing Lee MLC Assistant Minister to the Premier as well as the Leader of the Opposition Peter Malinauskas. The two guests were accompanied by Andrew Evdokiou and Peter Ppiros.

Mr Photiou briefed the two Australian politicians, on current developments in Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean and discussed issues of bilateral interests.