AHI Foundation’s Student Foreign Policy Trip Brings the Cyprus Issue and History to Life
16th AHIF College Student Foreign Policy Trip Participants, AHI President Nick Larigakis, and AHI Legislative Director Alexander Christofor, with Republic of Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides after he received AHIF commemorative plaque.
No. 75
WASHINGTON, DC — The American Hellenic Institute Foundation (AHIF) College Student Foreign Policy Trip to Greece and the Republic of Cyprus completed its 16th year as 11 students from across the United States participated in the 18-day program held June 11 to 29, 2024. Following three days of briefings in Washington, D.C., the student group first visited the Republic of Cyprus from June 15 to 20.
“Taking the student group to the Republic of Cyprus is always an important part of the trip,” President Nick Larigakis said. “However, this year it had added emotional weight and meaning as we were there on the eve of the 50th dark anniversary of the Turkish invasion of the Republic of Cyprus.”
He added, “Since our founding in 1974, AHI has been a driving force to uphold the rule of law and advocate for the continued strengthening of relations between the United States and Greece and the Republic of Cyprus. The itinerary in the Republic of Cyprus aims to educate our community’s young leaders about the Cyprus problem and how the Republic of Cyprus has overcome that tragedy to become a key contributor as a viable EU member country and valuable strategic partner of the United States. Students learned about the political, economic, and humanitarian costs of Turkey’s illegal invasion and witnessed the toll on cultural and religious heritage during a half century of occupation. We encouraged the students to speak out about what they saw and learned upon their return from the trip.”
The group arrived in Nicosia, the capital of the Republic of Cyprus, on the evening of June 15. On the next day, the students visited Turkish-occupied Republic of Cyprus to gain a firsthand, eye-opening perspective about the area. In a moving experience, the students stopped at a desecrated Greek Orthodox church and cemetery. They also visited the monastery and tomb of the patron saint of Cyprus, St. Barnabas, on their way to Famagusta.
Students Connect with Republic of Cyprus President
Students had the incredible opportunity to sit down and ask questions to the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, in their visit to the Presidential Palace on June 19. President Christodoulides would use this briefing to specifically connect with students on the importance of continuing to spread awareness for the issues facing the country on their return to the U.S.
Other notable meetings with important diplomatic figures included a briefing and dinner hosted by Ambassador of Greece to the Republic of Cyprus Ioannis Papameletiou at his personal residence, and with foreign service officers at the U.S. Embassy in Nicosia, on June 17. Acting U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission & Regional Security Thomas Eckert, Regional Refugee Coordinator Walter Miller, and Political-Economic Deputy Chief Carter Wilbur met with the group on behalf of American Ambassador Julie Fisher. That morning, the group met with Ambassador Andreas S. Kakouris, who serves as the permanent secretary of the Cypriot Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at the ministry. Also on that day, Maria Michael, a senior officer with the Service of Overseas and Repatriated Cypriots hosted the group for a luncheon, and the students were presented with opportunities to learn about the history of Cyprus with a briefing by Mrs. Titina Loizdou. Further, UNFICYP Visit and Protocol Officer Lt. Belikova Ianna escorted the group on a visit to Nicosia Airport—a stark reality of how “time has stood still” as a result of the invasion.
On June 18, the students learned about the Republic of Cyprus’ contributions to regional security and safety at briefings held at the Republic of Cyprus Joint Rescue Coordination Center, an independent agency of the Ministry of Defense, which organizes the Republic of Cyprus Search and Rescue (SAR) system in response to aviation or maritime accidents; and at the Cyprus Center for Land, Open-seas, and Port Security (CYCLOPS) Training Center, a state-of-the-art security training facility located in Larnaca. They also gained insight about the Republic of Cyprus’ energy policy and direction during a meeting with Director of the Energy Service at the Cypriot Ministry of Energy, Commerce, and Industry Charalambos Rousos and Ministry Officer Yioat Lambrou.
After these morning events, students met with His Beatitude Archbishop of Cyprus Georgios, who also graciously hosted a luncheon and a tour of Archbishop Makarios III’s Chambers and the Archbishop’s Palace. The day also included a visit to Makedonitissa Military Cemetery, where the students laid a wreath in tribute to the memory of those who fell in the struggle for the freedom of the Republic of Cyprus and a visit to the National Guardhouse “Kolokasides” in the Nicosia area.
To understand the complexities of the Missing Persons Issue, the students met with the Greek Cypriot Member of the Committee of Missing Persons, Ambassador Leonidas Pantelides. A bicommunal body comprised of Greek and Turkish Cypriots with the participation of the United Nations, The Committee on Missing Persons (CMP) was established in 1981. Included among the missing are four American citizens. Through Amb. Pantelides’ expertise, the group gained an understanding for the process to recover the Missing including investigation, excavation, anthropological analysis, identification (DNA testing/matching), and return of remains. He described the continued efforts as a “race against time,” citing the increasing number of eyewitnesses who are passing away before providing search teams with valuable firsthand accounts. A briefing that followed presented by Anna Aristotelous, who serves as the head of Humanitarian Issues, provided further insight about this human rights tragedy.
Finally, students learned about the Republic of Cyprus’ defense capabilities during a meeting with Chief of the National Guard Major General Theodoros Chatzigeorgiou, and his staff, on June 19. These meetings focused on educating students on the Republic of Cyprus’ current defense positions and current agreements with strategic partners and allies. The group also observed a military demonstration held at Stavrouni Military Camp. Students also enjoyed a dinner hosted by Major General Chatzigeorgiou held on the previous evening at the Nationals’ Guard Officers Club in Nicosia. Lastly, the students had the opportunity to take in the beauty of Cyprus with a beach trip to Ayia Napa.
2024 Participants … In Their Own Words
Charles W. Euripides is a sophomore at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. He is majoring in politics with a minor in film and visual culture.
“The American Hellenic Institute foreign policy trip was an extraordinary opportunity to meet prominent topic experts and foreign policy leaders from the United States, Cyprus, and Greece. Over the course of three short weeks, we explored the foreign policy sphere from a military, economic, and strategic perspective. Additionally, we examined first-hand the impacts of the 1974 invasion of Cyprus. As a Cypriot American with family members killed in the invasion, I felt a special calling to learn more about the invasion and steps being taken to resolve the ongoing occupation. This trip gave me a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of Greek and Cypriot issues that I can now take back to the United States and use to inform my peers.”
Evelina Kynigopoulos is a junior attending The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. She is majoring in international affairs.
“It was an eye opening and once in a lifetime experience that allows you to see Greece and Cyprus from a political aspect. The knowledge someone can acquire and the experience someone can obtain could potentially open new doors of future opportunities relevant to US diplomatic ties with Greece and Cyprus. Through this experience I got to truly see AHI in action, how it operates, and how it fights to spread awareness while representing US interests and the relations among Cyprus and Greece. It was an insightful and educational trip that allowed us to meet professionals in the area of foreign policy sector. This trip influenced me to want to be more involved and advocate for the things I saw with my own eyes, from the occupied area, the UN buffer zone to the transformation of an unrecognizable place and marking Cyprus with the Turkish flag and a new one that they have to represent that area.”
Giorgio Gianoulis graduated from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and with minors in biology and chemistry. He will pursue a master’s degree in accounting from Trinity University this fall.
“The American Hellenic Institute Foundation (AHIF) Foreign Policy Trip to Greece and Cyprus broadened my knowledge of US-Greece-Cyprus relations. Before coming on the trip, I had no previous foreign policy experience or political science background. I ventured into new territory because I am deeply connected to my Greek roots and wanted to learn about the illegal invasion of Cyprus that occurred in 1974. I also wanted to see an unconventional side of Greece & Cyprus, in a political and professional setting. The AHIF trip sparked an interest in me to stay involved in the US political climate with Greece and Cyprus and to advocate for my homeland and the liberation of Cyprus. I am now strongly considering a future in foreign policy.”
Penelope Grapsas is a junior at the University of Pennsylvania. She is pursuing a double major in economics and philosophy, politics, and economics with a minor in ancient history.
“As a Greek American college student, with deep roots in her Greek heritage and great aspirations of future civic service, I believe that the American Hellenic Institute’s Foreign Policy Trip helped to further my interdisciplinary education in foreign policy and diplomacy. The experience did so in a way that furthered my knowledge of critical international issues, propelling me forward in my career exploration. It also exemplified my greatly valued heritage. More importantly, the AHIF Foreign Policy program provided me with the lived experiences and tools to impact my local and international communities, and to garner awareness for critical issues that I culturally resonate with Greek, American, and Cypriot relations.”
Alexandra Lahiri is a Junior Honors Pre-Law Scholar at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. She is on the pre-law track to graduate in May 2026, pursuing double degrees in international studies with a concentration in European studies, and music with a concentration in voice. She also is pursuing double minors in Latin and classical studies.
“My experience on the AHIF Student Foreign Policy Trip was unforgettable, and the lasting impact will continue to have an effect on my academic and future career plans and goals. I had the honor and privilege to represent the United States of America as a student ambassador at the Hellenic Parliament where I advocated that Greece pursue talks with the USA to implement education about Modern Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean’s history and geopolitics. One of the many takeaways that I have from going on this trip is the significant impact Greece and Cyprus have in the Eastern Mediterranean region, and thus, the world. They are, “pillars of stability in the arc of instability,” and I am grateful to have attended meetings and briefings with high-ranking officials, ambassadors, military officers, and experts regarding the international relations between countries including the U.S., Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Ukraine, and Israel.”
Drew Lambert is a sophomore at Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service in Washington, D.C. He is majoring in science, technology, and international affairs with a minor in modern Greek.
“Throughout the American Hellenic Institute’s trip, not only did I get to engage deeper with Greek and Cypriots issues, I also, genuinely, learned something new every day, and, amazingly, this deluge of information has only left me with a thirst for more knowledge. For instance, I learned how: Greek shipping makes up 20% of global trade, and additionally makes up 60% of European trade; and the grey zones theory and the importance of καστελλόριζο; Throughout the trip, I should have been exhausted. And yet, I wasn’t. I was in the zone, learning in an intellectually stimulating environment while doing something meaningful. In other words, I was having fun, in an endless string of meetings. It wasn’t only due to the amazing people who were my colleagues for a month, or the distinct perspectives of people we were speaking with, it was, ultimately, that these issues are so incredibly fascinating and engaging to me.”
Ernest Owen will graduate from George Mason University in Spring 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in art and visual technology and with double minors in illustration and arts management. He is an Eagle Scout.
“This happened. Eleven students from across the United States joined this year’s Foreign Policy Trip, from Washington, to Cyprus and Athens. This happened. We listened as our politicians didn’t say anything that could even potentially allude to what Turkey had done being criminal. This happened. We crossed the occupied zone and saw the desecrated churches and the towering mosques, Turkey’s attempts to make their illegal occupation seem legitimate. This happened. We heard those who experienced this tell us their story of being unable to return to their homes to this day. This happened. We saw the abandoned airport, which has remained frozen in time for the last half a century, and the massive desolate buildings next to the new beach resorts that shouldn’t be there. This happened. All of this really happened. And I would like to make sure that the rest of the world never forgets that this happened.”
Anastasia Petridis is a Dean’s List student at Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts. A junior from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Anastasia is pursuing a degree in journalism with a minor in pre-law. After graduation, she hopes to attend law school and aims to build a career in journalism or law.
“The AHI student foreign policy trip was an incredible experience that changed my life. This trip gave me the opportunity to visit places and have meetings with people I would have never been able to see otherwise. I could have never imagined being able to travel to Cyprus and not only visit the occupied side, but also see and tour the UN buffer zone and the Nicosia International Airport. My fuel for spreading awareness and continuing to fight for the liberation of Cyprus was found on this trip. I did not originally understand the gravity of the activities and material we were going to encounter on this trip. I had vastly different expectations about the kind of student trip this would be. I was proven wrong almost instantly; I continued to encounter the most interesting, engaging, educating, and genuinely great people and places while on the three-week intensive trip. I owe my greatest thanks to AHI and my peers on this trip for igniting the passion with which I left the program.”
Sophia Pezeshkan is a junior at Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service, majoring in global business and minoring in modern Greek language and classics.
“There is a difference between hearing about something, learning it, and seeing it first-hand. Growing up, I spent my summers wandering around the golden and luminescent coast that comprises Limassol, Cyprus. I grew up hearing the stories of the Turkish invasion, but never truly understood its impact. In the Turkish occupied area, we witnessed shining houses adjacent to those destroyed. Orthodox churches were ravaged and converted to mosques and bars, and Greek cemeteries were in ruins. The ICMP explained that over 2,000 Cypriots went missing, 100s of Cypriot women were raped, and, since then, an estimated 300,000 Turkish settlers have illegally moved to the occupied area. Many countries, including the US, refuse to label the division as an “invasion” or “occupation”. This denunciation pulls the country away from successfully finding a solution to the Cyprus Problem. We must remember that the absence of war does not mean there is peace. Cyprus deserves reunification, and we witnessed this first-hand.”
Melina Piperis is a junior at Boston College. She is pursuing a double major in history and classical cultures with a focus on art repatriation. She serves as vice president of the BC Hellenic Society, where she chairs the Society’s annual lecture series and teaches folk dance.
“My experiences on the AHI Student Foreign Policy Study Trip transformed my identity as a Greek American and strengthened my commitment to promote Greek and Cypriot interests in the United States. I am grateful to have learned from Mr. Larigakis, the benefactors of the American Hellenic Institute, and each speaker we met throughout the trip. In Cyprus, I was most impacted by our visit to the occupied area. After witnessing life in the occupied zone, I could no longer live through ignorance, turning a blind eye to the abandonment of not only law, but humanity.
Over the course of the trip, I came to realize the power of the younger generation. We are now equipped to educate fellow students, parents, and local politicians about the realities of Greece and Cyprus. Whether I’m knocking on Pete Ricketts’ door or discussing life in the buffer zone with my brother, these experiences will continue to impact me.”
Iliana Tzafolias is a Monroe Scholar and Summa Cum Laude graduate of the College of William and Mary, where she majored in international relations with a focus in European politics. She graduated with Departmental Honors for her thesis titled, “Defining Greekness: The Effect of Ethnic Identity on Foreign Policy Opinions.”
“From the bottom of my heart, I consider myself so blessed to have been a part of this trip. It opened my eyes, it tuned in my ears, and inspired me to take up this topic of Greek-Turkish relations as I intend to pursue a PhD in International Relations in the coming years. It is time we start discussing the reputations of political actors in this region of the world to highlight Greece and Cyprus as stable and reliable allies in a neighborhood of instability and unreliability. I will forever be thankful for this experience and only hope that I can one day do my part too to contribute to the promotion of our ethnic homeland in the United States.”
The American Hellenic Institute is an independent non-profit American public policy center and think tank that works to strengthen relations between the United States and Greece and Cyprus, and within the Greek American community.
For additional information, please contact us at (202) 785-8430 or pr@ahiworld.org. For general information about the activities of AHI, please see our website at http://www.ahiworld.org.
