LERC participates in the National Day of Cyprus at the Hotel Phoenicia, Beirut
Monday 6th October 2008
Reported by Basma Abdul Khalek (LERC Research Assistant)
At the invitation of the Honorable Chargé d’Affaires a.i. at the Embassy of Cyprus, Dr. Kyriacos Kouros, the Lebanese Emigration Research Center (LERC) at Notre Dame University, Louaizé, attended the National Day of Cyprus held at the Phoenicia Hotel, Beirut, on October 6th, 2008.
LERC was represented at the event by Director Guita Hourani, Research Assistant Basma Abdul Khalek and LERC team member Elie Nabhan.
Dr. Kouros delivering his address on the National Day of Cyprus. (October 2008).
The event was the first reception organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus, and where Dr. Kouros delivered a speech welcoming the Lebanese State representatives, the Lebanese-Cypriots and the Cypriot community in Lebanon. Dr. Kouros went on to review the history of Cyprus from gaining its independence in 1960 to its entry into the European Union in 2004.
He mentioned that Cyprus, with a third of its territory occupied by Turkey, now has an opportunity to reopen unification talks to be held between the Greek and the Turkish Cypriot leaders.
In addition, Dr. Kouros highlighted the historical relationship between Cyprus and Lebanon and stressed the fact that both the government and people of Cyprus were always willing to lend assistance to Lebanon and the Lebanese, especially during times of crises.
He also mentioned the symbolic presence of Cyprus within the UNIFIL forces in Southern Lebanon.
Dr. Kouros further emphasized that on a bilateral level, the Embassy of Cyprus was now increasing its efforts to reinforce the links with Lebanon on all matters of mutual interest.
At the end of his address, Dr. Kouros expressed his wishes for peace and stability for both Cyprus and Lebanon.
Cypriot and European food was then enjoyed by the distinguished guests accompanied by Cypriot traditional and cultural music and song.
LERC Director Ms. Hourani writing in the Golden Book of the Embassy of Cyprus. (October 2008).
