Address by the President of the World Federation of Overseas Cypriots (POMAK) As President of POMAK, the World Federation of Overseas Cypriots, I welcome the recording of the National Strategy on Cyprus Diaspora by the Republic of Cyprus. The recording of the revised strategy will help to deepen even further the relationship between the people of Cyprus and the Greek Cypriots expatriates. Expatriates all over the world have diachronically contributed to the formation of an organised diaspora, by consolidating and preserving our identity, morals and customs through the learning of the Greek language, the cooperation of member federations of POMAK with their Greek Orthodox communities, the actions of our youth (NEPOMAK) and the coordinated efforts of POMAK and PSEKA to ensure support whenever needed. Undeniably, there is another Cyprus, beyond Cyprus borders, and despite that we live far from the land of our ancestors, our semi-occupied homeland remains always in our hearts and thoughts. Since 1930s, Cypriot Hellenism has been forced to seek better living conditions, beyond the borders of our small homeland, due to heavy taxations imposed by the colonialists, resulting in difficulties and poverty. A second wave, this time as refugees because of the illegal Turkish invasion and occupation of 1974, multiplied the presence of Cypriot expatriates in all corners of the world. Awaiting the coveted return to our homes, villages and cities, our compatriots “created” temporary homes, which for 48 years and more, continue to exist. Even though almost five decades have passed since the illegal Turkish invasion and occupation, the Diaspora has never stopped contributing to our common struggle for freedom, the reunification of Cyprus and its people, the withdrawal of the occupying troops and the return of all refugees. At the same time, our Diaspora has evolved from first generation immigrants to a more established and integrated second, third and fourth generation. Cypriots all over the world fly the Cypriot flag high and make us proud with their various successes, in business, science, public service and countless other fields. With the skills they developed, they have excelled worldwide as pioneering doctors, talented entrepreneurs, worldwide-acknowledged artists, and even as public officials in higher positions in their states of permanent residence, thus enlightening with their way the rest of the world about what Cypriot Hellenism is. We consider it of utmost importance for our Diaspora's outreach to have a broad appeal. However, we know that certain themes have repeatedly come up to bring us closer to our roots, such as continuing traditions, language, dance, enthusiasm for learning and the opportunity to visit Cyprus. I am delighted that this is reflected in the National Strategy on Cyprus Diaspora. 8 | National Strategy on Cyprus Diaspora
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