Workshop : “Cyprus: Time to Think Outside the Box”

A workshop titled “Cyprus: Time to Think Outside the Box” was organised in İzmir at Yaşar University, on 17June 2013 in collaboration with the Turkish Cypriot Cultural Association. Scholars, former and present ambassadors, negotiators, experts in the field of strategy  and others took part in the workshop.

The workshop discussed, among others, the ideas both within the context of the Cyprus negotiations and new and creative ideas “outside the box”.

A wide range of ideas, including different models for a negotiated settlement to be based on the concurrent will of the two sides, were explored. Attention was focused on ways to improve current efforts to achieve a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation, as well alternative options including confederal and two sovereign State models.  The participants also stressed the importance of the continuation of the United Nations’ role in the search for a negotiated settlement.

Speakers also emphasized the significance of the hydrocarbons issue in initiating a new and necessary area of cooperation.

The workshop was the first in a series of similar events that will be organised with the objective of contributing to the solution of the half-century old Cyprus question and to the sustainable peace and stability of the region.