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Ambassador Klosson's Remarks at the Opening of
Cyprus Turkish Medical Association's
Conference and Educational Center

Wednesday, March 26, 2003, 7pm

I am pleased to be here tonight to help celebrate the opening of the Cyprus Turkish Medical Association's new Conference and Educational Center.

Anthropologist Margaret Mead once said “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world.  Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

I am thrilled that the United States could play a role in better equipping this group of committed people to change their corner of the world by continuing to maintain professional traditions and striving to overcome the barriers to quality medicine for Cypriot physicians and, more importantly, Cypriot patients.

You know better than I the impact technology has had on the field of medicine.  The internet, computers, and telemedicine put unprecedented resources at the disposal of doctors today, but also present them with some challenges.  My overflowing electronic inbox is a testament to how difficult it is for anyone to stay current in today's information age.

One of the purposes of this Center is to connect you all with developments outside your own community and to give you a strong platform from which to spread homegrown knowledge, experience and expertise.

I look forward to the Center growing, indeed, thriving and to it becoming a center of professional exchange between:

·        the members of the Cyprus Turkish Medical Association;

·        the Association and other professional groups active in the health field;

·        health professionals and the general public; and

·        between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots who share many of the same health concerns and struggle with many of the same issues.

I wish the CTMA and its members continued success and hope this new Center recognizes its full potential as a forum of professional development and a tool in improving the health of the people of the island.

In closing, I would like to thank Miran Rechter and his staff at UNDP/UNOPS for being such capable partners in implementing the Cyprus Bicommunal Development Program and also to thank you for including me in your event this evening and making me feel so welcome.

Good evening.