Consul General of Cyprus gives presentation at UNB
Author: Communications
Posted on Nov 4, 2013
Category: UNB Fredericton
The Honourable Consul General for Cyprus, Mr. Iacovos Giragosian, will give a presentation at UNB Fredericton on Monday evening on "The role of Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean."
Date: Monday, November 4
Time: 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. (Reception will follow)
Place: Alumni Memorial Building | UNB Fredericton
Mr. Giragosian will provide a brief survey of the political, cultural and economic history of Cyprus as a background for the island's relationships with its neighbours, and will focus primarily on the island’s future role in the political arena of this region.
The 20-minute presentation will be followed by a question and answer period, and a reception. The event is hosted by UNB's Centre for Hellenic Studies.
Dr. Lee Windsor from UNB's Gregg Centre for the Study of War and Society will introduce Mr. Giragosian, as Cyprus currently is a major stopping point for Canadian troops going to and returning from Afghanistan.
"The role of Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean"
The current economic crisis in the European Union has once again brought Cyprus 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 southeastern outpost member state of the European Union, and is facing new challenges in exploiting the recent off shore findings of hydrocarbon resources.
Biographical details
Prior to his post in Toronto, Mr. Giragosian served as Counsellor at the Embassies of the Republic of Cyprus in Rome (2008-2011), Ljubljana, (2007-2008) and as Charge d’Affaires a.i. in Tehran (2005 - 2007).
Mr. Giragosian served at the European Union and European Countries Department and the Press and Information Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nicosia in 2006 and 2004 respectively. Before he was posted as Press Counsellor at the Embassies of the Republic of Cyprus in Paris (2000-2004), Madrid (1995-2000) and Rome (1990-1995).
Mr. Giragosian holds a B.A. in Political Science and a B.Sc. in Journalism (University of West Virginia, 1984) and was awarded a Master’s degree in Literary Criticism (University of West Virginia, 1988). In 1989 he received a Training Assistant Scholarship and completed his practice at the Council of Europe and the European Parliament.
Mr. Giragosian was born in Nicosia, Cyprus and speaks Greek, English, French, Italian, and Spanish.