Theresa Villiers, MP for Chipping Barnet, opened the annual Conservatives for Cyprus event at the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham last week. In a speech to the guests at the event, Ms Villiers reaffirmed the Conservative Party’s commitment to supporting Cypriots in their efforts to deliver a resolution in Cyprus saying:
“We are all determined to campaign for freedom for Cyprus. The empty streets and decaying buildings of Famagusta graphically demonstrate how destructive and damaging the division of Cyprus is for its people; and the pressing need for a just and lasting settlement.”
Ms Villiers welcomed the High Commissioner, Euripides Evriviades, the Greek Ambassador, Konstantinos Bikas, the Minister for Europe, David Lidington MP, along with Nick de Bois MP, Dr. Charles Tannock MEP and the Vice Chairman of the Conservatives for Cyprus, Andreas Papaevripides. Other guests included Demetrios Markou, Doros Partasides and former MP and MEP, Dr. Ian Twinn.
The event proved the most successful yet. It had its largest ever attendance, with an increased presence from younger members of the Conservative Party, as well as staff from Conservative Campaign Headquarters and members from Conservative Associations across the UK. These included Chipping Barnet, Enfield North, Enfield Southgate, Hendon and Finchley and Golders Green.
The Minister for Europe, David Lidington MP, echoed Ms Villiers’ comments with his assurance of continued support from the Conservative-led Government, which has provided the most active support and built the closest relations with Cyprus to date.
The event was sponsored by Tony Yerolemou and organised by the Democratic Rally, the Greek Cypriot Brotherhood and Conservatives for Cyprus. Photos were taken by Doros Partasides.