May282015

Peter Droussiotis today reflected upon his tenure as President of the National Federation of Cypriots in the United Kingdom, after having served four successive two year terms. His term of office represents the maximum period allowed by the constitution of the organisation.

Mr Droussiotis will officially stand down at the Federation’s AGM and electoral convention, which will be held in London on 18th June 2015. 

In a statement issued by his office today, Mr Droussiotis said: 

“It has been an enormous privilege for me to have served the Federation and the British Cypriot diaspora, which is the largest community of Cypriots outside Cyprus, for the last eight years. 

“I feel humbled and honoured that our community organisations in this vitally important country elected me to this key role for four successive terms, the last three unanimously, entrusting me with leading the Federation during critical periods of change both in the UK and in Cyprus.

“During my years at the helm of the Federation I sought to inject a professional outlook to the Federation’s work and to transform the organisation into a much more proactive and outward-looking body. My priority at all times had been to maintain the unity of the Federation, which is its greatest strength, and to remain totally devoted to the core purpose of the organisation: to see the beautiful island of our origin, Cyprus, free and united once again. 

“I want to take this opportunity to thank all of my colleagues on the Federation’s Executive and Secretariat and those on the Central Council of the World Federation of Overseas Cypriots, with whom I served in the last eight years, as well as the organisation’s long-serving Executive Secretary, our many volunteers, our advisors and our sponsors. Our achievements have been realised due to our collective efforts. 

“I would also like to pay tribute to the many British parliamentarians from all parties who have worked closely with me and my colleagues, often in difficult circumstances. Their unstinting support has been of great value to our political work in the UK Parliament. 

“I would also like to extend my thanks to successive Cyprus High Commissioners in London and other representatives of the High Commission for the valuable co-operation we have enjoyed throughout my tenure as President of the Federation. 

“For the same reasons, my thanks also go to His Eminence Archbishop Gregorios of Thyateira and Great Britain and to successive Ambassadors of Greece to the United Kingdom.

“Finally, I would like to express my appreciation to Presidents of the Republic of Cyprus whose period in office has coincided with mine, the late President Tassos Papadopoulos, former President Demetris Christofias and current President Nicos Anastasiades, and to the entire political leadership of the island, for their moral support and the collaborative relationship we have had throughout.

“Over the coming months and years, the Federation needs to take vitally important and imaginative steps to renew and strengthen its structure and organisation and to become more representative of the British Cypriot communities it serves. 

“Although I stand down from the Presidency of the Federation, I will remain active in public life. I will be at the disposal of the Federation and the overseas Cypriots’ movement and will continue to serve both the UK Cypriot community as well as the just cause of Cyprus from whatever platforms are available to me. 

“Cyprus and our wonderful community here in the UK will always be in my thoughts and in my heart.”  

Peter remains Chairman of the UK-Cyprus Enterprise Council (www.ukcec.co.uk) which he helped found with a group of prominent British Cypriot entrepreneurs, businessmen and professional people at the end of 2013.