To mark the 41st anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, events will take place across the country, organised by nationwide branches of the Pan-Australian Justice for Cyprus Coordinating Committee (PASEKA).
In a recent statement, president of the Cyprus Community of Melbourne and Victoria Constantinos Procopiou said the events are as much “to demonstrate against the invasion and continuing occupation of Cyprus, and a show of our support to the struggle for freedom”.
A key note speaker during the commemorative events will be Cyprus’ Minister of Agriculture, Agricultural Development and the Environment Nikos Kougiales.
Accompanied by the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Oceania, Ioanna Malliotes, the minister is set to make his first appearance in Sydney on Sunday 19 July, where he will take part in a church service for the fallen and a wreath-laying ceremony.
Mr Kougiales will then travel to South Australia on Wednesday 22 July where he will take part in further commemorative events and on to Melbourne.
A demonstration has been called for 5.00 pm on Friday 24 July at the Victorian Parliament, followed by a candlelight vigil.
On Sunday 26 July, the minister will attend a liturgy at the church of Saint Efstathios in South Melbourne.
The Greek community of Brisbane will welcome the minister to Queensland on Monday 27 July.
Members of Greek Australian communities across Australia are invited to participate and show their support for Cyprus.