After publishing a statement from AHEPA president Nicholas Karakostas regarding the organizations CANA and AHEPA we received the following comment from Movement for FREEDOM & JUSTICE IN CYPRUS president, Panos Ioannides. Mr. Ioannides directly involved in the incident as he was the guest speaker on the AHEPA event. We do not take sides on this matter but we feel obligated to publish both statements.
Nicosia, 02 August 2010
Hellenes Compatriots,
Ref.: “The AHEPA issue”
It is with deep feelings of regret that the Movement for FREEDOM & JUSTICE IN CYPRUS is obligated to make public the following statement:
1. On July 20, 2010, AHEPA Supreme President Nicholas A. Karacostas issued and made public via the AHEPA site the following PERSONAL statement.
Comments follow immediately after each paragraph:
Written by: AHEPA News
7/20/2010 9:00 AM
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
News Release
AHEPA Remembers 36th “Black Anniversary”
of Invasion, Occupation of Cyprus
Supreme President Calls for Removal of Turkish Troops from Cyprus
WASHINGTON – Supreme President Nicholas A. Karacostas issued the following statement on the 36th anniversary of the illegal invasion and subsequent occupation of the Republic of Cyprus that occurred July 20, 1974:
“Today marks a somber day as we observe the 36th anniversary of the illegal invasion and occupation of the Republic of Cyprus by the Republic of Turkey. This was, and remains to this very day, an intolerable act; one that is a gross violation of the rule of law, human rights, and democratic ideals. We pause to remember the innocent civilians who lost their lives and thousands who went missing, including four American citizens whose investigations remain incomplete. The illegal invasion and occupation caused the displacement of nearly 200,000 Greek Cypriot refugees, including my family, who to this day are unable to return to their homes which is also a violation of human rights as determined by the European Commission on Human Rights.
Comments:
• Re “…including my family…”:
Proves the personal character of the statement]
“Today, the ongoing direct talks between Cypriot President Demetris Christofias and new hard-line Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, under the scope of the high-level UN Agreement of July 8, 2006, has provided minimal tangible progress toward a settlement to reunify Cyprus despite the former’s submission of realistic proposals as recent as last week and because of the latter’s continued insistence to present proposals outside UN parameters and European Union principles. We restate our call for the reunification of Cyprus, and its people, in a bicommunal and bizonal federation with a single sovereignty, single international personality and single citizenship, with its independence and territorial integrity safeguarded, and comprising two politically equal communities as described in the relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions. We contend that such a solution is in the best interest of all Cypriots, and must emanate from Cypriots themselves.
Comments:
• Re “…under the scope of the high-level UN Agreement of July 8, 2006…”:
The ongoing talks are SUI GENERIS, having nothing in common with late President Papadopoulos Agreement with Mr. Talat of July 8, 2006.
• Re “…outside UN parameters and European Union principles”:
So are Mr. Christofias proposals as well.
• Re “…in a bicommunal and bizonal federation with a single sovereignty, single international personality and single citizenship, with its independence and territorial integrity safeguarded, and comprising two politically equal communities as described in the relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions”:
None U.N. resolution describes such a formula. Besides, “bicommunal bizonal federation” is internationally unchartered].
• Re “We contend that such a solution is in the best interest of all Cypriots…”:
WHO contends? Obviously the Supreme President himself. Can the Supreme President produce convincing evidence cementing the correctness of such a statement?
“However, ultimately the key to a successful settlement rests in Ankara. We call on the U.S. government to convey a strong message to Turkey that it must provide the Turkish Cypriot community with the necessary freedom to negotiate a solution within the July 8 framework, and equally as important, facilitate the removal of 43,000 of its troops from the island.
Comments:
• Re “…the key to a successful settlement rests in Ankara”:
Not UN, not EU, solely in Ankara, who is accountable for its crimes in Cyprus and contemns Rule of Law, Human Rights and International Society, INCLUDING the United States of America.
• Re “…to negotiate a solution within the July 8 framework, and equally as important, facilitate the removal of 43,000 of its troops from the island”:
EITHER absolute absence of knowledge OR intentional overlooking of WHAT President Christofias has ALREADY AGREED with the Turks.
“Therefore, on this ‘black anniversary’ we call on Turkey to begin the removal of its 43,000 troops from Cyprus. These are troops that we contend, as American citizens, would serve a better purpose, especially to NATO, in another theatre such as Afghanistan as opposed to Cyprus where there have been 15 million incident-free crossings by Greek and Turkish Cypriots.
Comments:
• Re “…where there have been 15 million incident-free crossings by Greek and Turkish Cypriots”:
EITHER a superficial approach OR an intentional paraphrase of the ILLEGAL crossings, which in any case can never substitute the FREE RETURN OF REFUGEES to their home and property.
“We call for these actions in the best interests of the United States. A reunified Cyprus into a bizonal, bicommunal federation will strengthen the eastern Mediterranean and bring peace and security to the region. Furthermore, it will aid Turkey’s candidacy to become a member of the European Union.
• Re “…in the best interests of the United States”:
What about the interests of the Republic of Cyprus and Hellenism?
“Our hope is that we will no longer need to observe this ‘black anniversary,’ but instead, celebrate the anniversary of a settlement. AHEPA remains committed to doing all within its power to keep the Cyprus issue in the public eye until a just and viable solution is realized.”
• Re “AHEPA remains committed to doing all within its power to keep the Cyprus issue in the public eye until a just and viable solution is realized”:
This last part of the statement is FULLY endorsed by all Hellenes, but NOT on the grounds of AHEPA Supreme President’s personal point of view.
2. The above Supreme President’s widely published statement triggered reaction from all over the World, including the following statement by the Movement of July 29th, 2010:
THIS MESSAGE MAY BE FORWARDED TO ANY SUITABLE RECIPIENT
Dear Compatriots,
AHEPA’s declaration is completely AGAINST the consensus of its own “Cyprus-Hellenic Affairs Committee” assembly (held in Montreal on July 15th 2010), following my presentation on behalf of the Movement for FREEDOM & JUSTICE IN CYPRUS.
The presentation was made published by CANA on July 16th [http://vimeo.com/13371730] and was also attached as official document on AHEPA Committee’s Minutes, together with the document “the Proposal of the correct YES” related to the correct, just, viable and dignified solution to the Cyprus Issue.
The Committee’s reaction and consensus was one of “enthusiastic acceptance of the substance of the presentation and the Proposal”.
AHEPA’s Supreme President Nicholas A. Karacostas had left the meeting room some time before the presentation (coincidence??). In any case, is NOT the AHEPA President who is supposed to take the decisions but the assembly. The President and all other Officials are supposed to EXECUTE the assembly’s decisions and conclusions, UNLESS all these so called “AHEPA Annual Conferences etc” are organized just for the fun of it and the nightlife events…
The above JUST for the sake of proper records, as the AHEPA’s Declaration coinciding with the British and Turkish objectives IS NOT A SURPRISE…
REGRETTABLY we are obliged to mention once again our strong belief, that “Hellenism’s biggest enemy is NOT the obvious one”…
We look down on whoever, who maybe is BUT DOES NOT FEEL being Hellenas. At least we know whom we can NOT trust.
Movement for FREEDOM & JUSTICE IN CYPRUS
Panos Ioannides
President
Our sincere apologies to all AHEPA Members for labelling the Supreme President’s statement of July 20th as an “AHEPA statement”. This is Supreme President’s personal statement, as clarified under “1” above.
3. On July 29, 2010, AHEPA Supreme President issued and made public via the AHEPA site his reply to Movement’s statement, which in the meantime was given publicity by Nikolaos Taneris of CANA, together with the reacting statement of Ms Fanoula Argyrou (London) to the Supreme President’s 1st statement of July 20th. The Supreme President’s 2nd statement reads as follows.
The text is framed, the points of interest are highlighted and the comments follow immediately after each paragraph:
For Immediate Release
Thursday, July 29, 2010
News Release
AHEPA Responds to Erroneous, Inflammatory Electronic Communication Issued by CANA
WASHINGTON – Supreme President Nicholas A. Karacostas has issued the following statement in response to an erroneous, inflammatory, and irresponsible email communication issued July 28, 2010, by the Cyprus Action Network of America (CANA):
Comments:
• Re “erroneous”: All reactions were documented and reflected the distance between “what had actually happened during the Cyprus/Hellenic Committee’s session” and the contents of Suprmem President’s statement of July 20th.
• Re “inflammatory”: Just recall “which statement has triggered the reaction”.
• Re “irresponsible”: Such attributions by the Supreme President to persons unknown to him evidence inadequate personal and social upbringing.
The comment reflects my duty to protect Ms Argyrou’s and Mr. Taneris’ dignity, both being well respected Members of the Movement for FREEDOM & JUSTICE IN CYPRUS. Personally I just look down and ignore.
“The Order of AHEPA understands the importance of fostering communication, the sharing of ideas, and the encouragement of dialogue and free thought on all issues for the betterment of the community. These beliefs were born in the Order’s noble and unique founding and are prevalent in its fraternal character and soul.
➢ No comments, Dear Supreme President! Just PROVE IT.
“It was in this spirit that the Order afforded Mr. Panos Ioannides, who is not a member of AHEPA, the courtesy of addressing the AHEPA Cyprus and Hellenic Affairs Committee on July 15, 2010, during the 88th Supreme Convention in Montreal. There, Mr. Ioannides, the self-proclaimed “President of the Movement for Freedom & Justice in Cyprus,” presented his paper titled “The Proposal of the Correct YES” and other supporting materials, including a book he authored about the Cyprus issue. Mr. Ioannides was treated with courtesy and respect at all times during the convention. Furthermore, Mr. Ioannides had his presentation filmed although he did not have the courtesy of seeking formal approval from the leadership of the Order of AHEPA. A representative from the Cyprus Action Network of America, Mr. Nikolaos Taneris, who is also not a member of AHEPA, accompanied him and was the cameraman.
Comments:
• Re “…the Order afforded Mr. Panos Ioannides, who is not a member of AHEPA, the courtesy of addressing the AHEPA Cyprus and Hellenic Affairs Committee…”:
The speaker sincerely “thanked AHEPA” and stated “he is honored for addressing the Committee”, BUT you had just left the room, Dear Supreme President, and obviously you did not even bother to have a quick look at the speech itself, copy of which was handed to Chairman Spiro Makris.
In any case, the speaker was NOT “afforded by the Order” but INVITED to address the Committee.
The objective of visiting Montreal was to attend and address the events on July 18th, on the occasion of the 36th somber Anniversary of the Junta Coup & Turkish Invasion, as a result of the kind invitation extended to the speaker by the Hellenic-Canadian Solidarity Committee for Cyprus, the Hellenic Congress of Quebec and the Hellenic Community of Montreal.
In fact, the speaker had to overload his schedule to attend the AHEPA Congress, following an equally kind invitation by the Organizing Committee.
I remind your own comment, Dear Supreme President, while the speaker was introducing himself to you (Reception at Montreal Town Hall, Monday July 12th):
“I was not informed of you addressing the Cyprus/Hellenic Committee”!
How then, could I possibly “be afforded by the Order”?
• Re “…Mr. Ioannides, the self-proclaimed “President of the Movement for Freedom & Justice in Cyprus,…”:
We do NOT spare the time to explain to you, Dear Supreme President, the Memorandum & Articles of Association ruling the “Non profit Limited Company by Guarantee Movement for Freedom & Justice in Cyprus” NOR how its President has been democratically elected by the vast majority at the Movement’s Annual General Assembly, non unopposed however…
What we will stress though, is that -Movement’s President being a qualified Lawyer himself- considers that your particular statement consists “LIBEL and PUBLIC DEFAMATION” against both the Movement and its elected President.
Our Legal Advisors are working on the issue and we shall revert accordingly.
• Re “…his paper titled “The Proposal of the Correct YES” and other supporting materials, including a book he authored about the Cyprus issue…”:
This is a naive statement, Dear Supreme President. Both documents reflect the documented research of a group of Scientists, Researchers, Writers and Journalists that did a thorough (and dangerous) job in documenting every single word of the documents.
No further comments. We consider your statement sarcastic and unduly lofty.
• Re “…Mr. Ioannides had his presentation filmed although he did not have the courtesy of seeking formal approval from the leadership of the Order of AHEPA. A representative from the Cyprus Action Network of America, Mr. Nikolaos Taneris, who is also not a member of AHEPA, accompanied him and was the cameraman”:
Filming or getting audio CD or DVD is the Movement’s practice for the sake of undisputable records. Don’t you have the same at AHEPA? Was there anything TO HIDE, Dear Supreme President?
Mr. Taneris was indeed kind enough to do the job upon the Committee Chairman’s consent.
Is THIS an argument for God’s sake!
“CANA issued an email communication on July 28, 2010 that states ‘The Committee’s reaction and consensus was one of enthusiastic acceptance of the substance of the presentation and the Proposal.’ This is false. For the record, the official report of the Cyprus & Hellenic Affairs Committee states: ‘[In addition, the Committee:] was briefed by Panos Ioannides, Ph.D., on behalf of the Movement for Freedom & Justice in Cyprus.’ Also, the Committee included Mr. Ioannides’ presentation as an appendix to its report for the public record.
“Mr. Ioannides’ position on a solution to the Cyprus issue was not accepted by the AHEPA Cyprus and Hellenic Affairs Committee. It was not accepted by the Order of AHEPA. AHEPA’s position on the Cyprus issue is presented in our statement issued July 20, 2010. AHEPA’s position for the past 36 years of Turkey’s illegal invasion and occupation of 37 percent of the Republic of Cyprus has continually been based on the rule of law and countless U.N. resolutions. Although as Ahepans we pride ourselves on our Hellenic heritage, it is our American heritage and ideals on which we have based our position.
Question:
➢ Why all other Minutes and Appendixes related to the Cyprus/Hellenic Issues Committee were uploaded at AHEPA site, EXCEPT of “Appendix B” related to the presentation of the invited speaker on Cyprus and the “Proposal of the correct YES”?
“Organizations have a right to express disagreement in respectful ways. However, CANA’s erroneous statement that included Mr. Ioannides’ inflammatory remarks, and the unprofessional manner with which they conveyed it, diminishes their credibility in the eyes of the Order of AHEPA. Nothing is gained by issuing such statements that include personal attacks and the distortion of facts. As such, the Order of AHEPA must now distance itself from CANA and Mr. Ioannides because I see no rational discussion or constructive dialogue that can ensue; certainly none that resonate with the spirit of our Order.
NO COMMENTS
“Finally, it is clearly evident that Mr. Ioannides and CANA do not understand the Order’s founding, its mission, or its storied history and role in society.”
Final comment
➢ It is a fact, Dear Supreme President, that there is a lot we do not understand with respect to the actual role of what you call “the Order”.
One thing is for sure though:
Regrettably, we do NOT spare the time to find out NOR to understand the “Daughters of Athina” and the “Sons of Pericles” kind of stuff, as we have to be totally involved in safeguarding the future of our Country and of our living Sons and Daughters.
Our sincere wish is “this traumatic experience NOT to be repeated”.
Movement for FREEDOM & JUSTICE IN CYPRUS
Panos Ioannides
President
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