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On Sunday 8 December, representatives of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK coordinated the planting of an olive tree in New Southgate with the Mayors of Barnet and Morphou, Cllrs Tony Vorou and Victor Hajiavraam, as part of its tree planting campaign this year. Dan Tomlinson MP and Bambos Charalambous MP, as well as twenty Councillors from Barnet and Morphou and both Greek and Turkish Cypriots members of the community participated in the event. The plaque accompanying the newly planted olive tree outlined the shared commitment to peace and the reunification of Cyprus.
Planting the tree, the Mayor of Barnet, Cllr Tony Vourou, said that “we hope Morphou and all the people of Cyprus find a resolution to live happily together.” He also thanked the Morphou delegation for their “taking the time to travel here so that we can plant the tree together.” He concluded by remarking on the olive tree’s symbolism of unity and peace.
Mayor of Morphou Cllr Victor Hajiavraam stated that it was an “honour and profound privilege to be here today as we gather to this meaningful ceremony.” He said that the “event is not only a reminder of our shared beliefs but a testament to our resilience, hope and unwavering commitment to justice and peace.” “The tree,” he continued, “embodies our shared aspiration of the restoration of the Republic of Cyprus and human rights and freedom for both Greek and Turkish Cypriots.”
Dan Tomlinson MP said, “I am really glad that our Prime Minister will be visiting Cyprus this week, I hope this cements and grows our relationship between these two countries.” He added that “I will always be a friend of Cyprus and an ally of peace and justice – I will stand with you for months and years to come.”
Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Cyprus Bambos Charalambous MP stated that the event was an “opportunity to show the unity between Barnet and Morphou, Cyprus and the UK.”
The Deputy High Commissioner of Cyprus, Spyros Miltiades, said that “we hope that this is the last year that keeps our country occupied.”
In his remarks, His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Claudiopolis stressed that by “working together in harmony” and “through our own dedication, this will move us toward the greatest goal of our dreams – freedom, peace and unity for Cyprus.”
Federation President Christos Karaolis opened the tree planting with a short speech. He welcomed the Morphou Municipality delegation and highlighted the special relationship between Barnet and Morphou as twinned towns, as well as the UK Cypriot diaspora’s sustained desire for a free, united Cyprus.
