Victorian Labor Senator, Kim Carr was the keynote speaker at the launch of the book Resolving the Cyprus Conflict: Negotiation History by Greek Australian academic, Dr Michalis Michael last week.
The Federal Minister praised the book for the substantial contribution it makes to the better understanding and analysis of the Cyprus problem at the launch held on Monday at the Australian Institute of International Affairs Victoria.
“What the book shows is that a solution will only come from a serious understanding of the history [of the Cyprus problem]… and it looks to the past and to the future, “ said Senator Carr.
The book launch was co-organised in association with the Centre for Dialogue at La Trobe University where Mr Michael is a Research Fellow.
The launch was opened by the head of the Centre for Dialogue, Professor Joe Camillieri, who humorously referred to the long years of preparation for the writing of the book by the author.
A brief presentation followed by the author himself who referred to the various aspects of the Cyprus issue that are covered in the book.
The book offers more than a detailed study of conflict in Cyprus. It represents an important milestone in our understanding of the dynamics of protracted conflicts and of the hurdles that stand in the way of resolution.
It focuses on the competition for power and resources on the one hand and the politics of identity and mistrust on the other, and goes on to connect these with the role of both regional and great power rivalries.
Among a large crowd at the launch, were the Ambassador of Greece in Australia, Alexios Christopoulos, the Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Christos Salamanis, the Consul of Cyprus High Commission in Austalia, Christianna Tzikas, the Consul General of Turkey in Melbourne, Aydin Nurhan and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of La Trobe Professor Tim Brown.