New York, NY – Archbishop Demetrios of America welcomed Monday September 22 at the Archdiocese, the President of the Republic of Cyprus His Excellency Demetris Christofias.

The meeting between the two men took place at the Archbishop’s office in a very warm and cordial atmosphere and lasted about one hour. The new aspects and the latest developments on the Cyprus issue were discussed.

Speaking to the Press right after the meeting Mr. Christofias expressed his joy for meeting once again with Archbishop Demetrios saying that “His Eminence has Cyprus in his heart, and he is always on the forefront of promoting the Cyprus issue.” Mr. Christofias also said that he informed the Archbishop on all the latest developments on the issue and that their discussion included “possible common initiatives for the advancement of both the political problem of Cyprus and the very rich cultural heritage of Cyprus, as a vehicle for cultural diplomacy.”

Archbishop Demetrios responding to President Christofias’ remarks said, “Cyprus is a symbol greater than itself, it has become a symbol for the inviolable principles of freedom and human rights and this fact makes the struggle for Cyprus much greater and far more important. From our side – we have said it privately and we are saying it publicly and responsibly – you will have all our support, because the Church and the Omogeneia of America are always in the service of the Gospel, in the service of Justice, Solidarity and Peace among all the peoples of the world.”

President Christofias was accompanied by government spokesman Stefanos Stefanou, ambassador of Cyprus in the United States Andreas Kakouris and the permanent representative of Cyprus to the United Nations Minas Hatzimichael.