As part of the changing and transforming priorities of NATO, Onur Öymen provided information regarding regional security and possible reflections upon Cyprus at the Near East University Near East Institute Security Academy.

One of the most significant figures of Turkish Diplomacy, Dr. Onur Öymen, gave a seminar on “NATO’s Security Policy and Strategic Concept” at the Security Academy which was organised by Near East University-Near East Institute.

According to the press info release issued by the Directorate of Press and Public Relations of Near East University, Onur Öymen gave a seminar on NATO’s institutional and political consolidation with regard to 21st century security issues. It was revealed that he had made significant evaluations on NATO’s renewed security policy and strategic concept in relation to possible reflections on both Turkey and Cyprus.

The sports embargo applied on Turkish Cypriots is the only one of its kind in the world!

At the seminar, Öymen emphasised that the support to Greek Cypriots and pressure on the Turkish Cypriots was continuing at the international platform, and that the sports embargo applied to the Turkish Cypriots was the only one of its kind in the world. He further added that similar to the aforementioned embargo regarding sports, there were many other fields where the Turkish Cypriots were confronted with embargoes and stressed that under these circumstances, it was very unlikely to reach a fair solution to the Cyprus issue.

The most significant condition for reconciliation and a solution is “Sovereign Equality”

Moreover, Öymen emphasised that everybody desired an agreement and a solution to the Cyprus issue and the most significant condition for reconciliation and solution was based upon sovereign equality. He pointed out that including the ‘Annan Plan’, the Turkish Cypriots were not offered sovereign equality and expressed that for a permanent and fair solution, it was necessary to base the solution on firm ground which includes two equal constituent states. Additionally, Onur Öymen expressed that Cyprus was significant for Turkey, and that during the process regarding reaching a solution, it was highly necessary to retain strong relationship between Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots.

It was revealed that the subsequent to the seminar, Dr. Onur Öymen (Retired Ambassador) was presented a Certificate of Appreciation by Vice Rector of Near East University, Prof. Dr. Şenol Bektaş and Head of Near East Institute Assoc. Prof. Dr. Umut Koldaş.

Furthermore, it was revealed that the Security Academy will be continuing with similar significant issues and spokespersons until 21st May, 2016. For more information on the short term educational and certificate programmes offered by Near East Institute Security Academy, please visit www.neu.edu.tr and/or email [email protected] and/or call landline 223 64 64 (extension number 532) or call 0533 829 97 36. You may also follow Near East Institute on facebook.