In his remarks he explained the effects of the Berlin Wall on people in both parts of Germany: "Germans felt always as being part of one Nation. But 40 years of separation had an impact on East and West Germans. People grew up in two very different systems, which shaped not ony their economic and political situations and possibilies but even more so their thinking. A distinct 'West German' and 'East German' mentality developed, which had some implications for the process of growing together again as one nation." Mr. Birringer and the other panelists Dr. Nizar Hamzeh, the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences AUK and Dr. Armin Kössler, Deputy Head of Mission, German Embassy Kuwait agreed however, that the differences between East and West have been watered down in time as new generations have not witnessed the division of Germany.