Eastern Mediterranean University, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Ahmet Sözen participated in a conference entitled Cyprus and Germany: Bilateral relations in Times of Crisis and Possible Reunification. The said conference which took place in Berlin, Germany, was organised by Social Democrat Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Foundation.
At the official opening of the said event, Minister of State for Europe Michael Roth delivered a keynote speech. Prof. Dr. Sözen and Director of the Office of the Peace and Research
Institute Oslo - PRIO Cyprus Centre Harry Tzimitras delivered a presentation entitled “Cyprus Negotiations and a Possible Solution”. In his presentation, Prof. Dr. Sözen provided an in-depth analysis of Cyprus negotiations, rapprochements of the parties and problematic issues. Prof. Dr. Sözen’s presentation also put a special focus on the recent developments in Syria and the cold war between Russia and the Western World.
On a radio channel called “Funk House Europe”, Prof. Dr. Sözen provided information about bi-communal public opinion polls carried out with researchers from the Greek side of Cyprus for the past 7 years. In the light of the said research, Prof. Dr. Sözen talked about the extent of readiness of both communities to a possible solution and important topics of negotiation. In his speech, Prof. Dr. Sözen also explained how Cyprus has become similar to “Belgium”.
According to Prof. Dr. Sözen, if a federal solution will be introduced in Cyprus, it may turn out to be a problematic one. Prof. Dr. Sözen stated that despite the fact that two communities speaking different languages exist in Belgium, they successfully maintain the federation. According to Prof. Dr. Sözen, Belgium model sets an important sample for a possible federation to be established in Cyprus in the near future. Stating that Turkish and Greek Cypriots will have topics of disagreements, Prof. Dr. Sözen put forth that the important point is to learn from the past and sustain the state with the help of important mechanisms to be integrated in the consitute.
During his stay in Germany, Prof. Dr. Sözen also talked about Cyprus Negotiations and regional developments on Germany’s most serious news channel Deutsche Welle. During the said interview, Prof. Dr. Sözen provided information on the current situation of the Cyprus negotiations, problems encountered and possible confidence building measures.