The Honourable Consul General of
the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Iacovos Giragosian gave a public lecture today at UNB, invited by The Centre for Hellenic Studies
Mr. Giragosian discussed the role of Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean by
providing a brief survey of the political, cultural and economic history of the
island as a backdrop for the island's relationship with its neighbours. He focused primarily on the island’s future role in the political arena of this
region.
Abstract
The current economic crisis in the European Union has brought Cyprus once again
to the forefront globally. While it is most commonplace to use the term
“bridge” or “crossroads” to describe Cyprus and its position on the map, it
would probably be more appropriate to describe this small island-nation as
sitting on the jugular vein of any empire worthy of mention. It was
historically an indispensable asset, from a strategic point of view, for Great
Powers, real or aspiring, and has been one of the most contested islands in the
entire Mediterranean Sea. The island constitutes an interconnecting bridge
between Europe, North Africa, the Near and Middle East, both in terms of
perception and in terms of actions. In our times Cyprus is redefining its role
as the south-eastern outpost member state of the European Union, and is facing
new challenges in exploiting the recent off shore findings of hydrocarbon
resources.
From the University of New Brunswick webpage
Το Κέντρο Ελληνικών Σπουδών του Πανεπιστημίου του New Brunswick είχε την χαρά και την τιμή να υποδεχθεί σήμερα τον Γενικό Πρόξενο της Κυπριακής Δημοκρατίας, κύριο Ιάκωβο Κιρακοσιάν. Ο κύριος Πρόξενος ανταποκρίθηκε στην πρόσκληση του Κέντρου να κάνει μια ομιλία, αναφέρθηκε στην ιστορική και στρατηγική σημασία της Μεγαλονήσου καθώς και τον ρόλο της στον διεθνή πολιτικό στίβο σήμερα. Ακολούθησε διάλογος με το κοινό και δεξίωση στο Alumni Memorial Hall του Πανεπιστημίου.
