[506] in peace2
Cyprus: a part of the Middle East puzzle
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Eser Keskiner)
Mon Jan 15 11:41:25 2001
Message-Id: <4.3.0.20010115113229.00be3f00@po14.mit.edu>
Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2001 11:40:02 -0500
To: peace-list@mit.edu, thistle@mit.edu
From: Eser Keskiner <eserk@MIT.EDU>
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As the Cypriot Friends of Boston, we are organizing a series of events
about the history, present and the future of Cyprus, the country which has
been ethnically divided since 1974 and proves to be one of the
longest-standing international conflicts in the Middle East. The first
event is tomorrow (Tuesday, Jan. 16). British journalist Brendan O'Malley
will be speaking about the interests of regional and global powers which
led to the Cyprus problem. Hope to see you there!
eser
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Cyprus: History, Present, and the Future
These three sessions will provide a look at the past and the present of the
Cyprus problem, which has been affecting international relations and the
lives of many people for three generations. We'll explore as well some of
the perspectives of Cypriot youth for the future of their country. We will
start with an analysis of the Cyprus problem - the interests at stake, the
major powers involved, and the events which led to the division of the
island in 1974. We will then look at the quickly-growing grassroots
peace-building movement on the Island. The series concludes with a forum,
"The Future of Cyprus: Perspectives of the Cypriot Youth," featuring Greek
and Turkish Cypriot students of different backgrounds discussing their
visions for the future of Cyprus.
Origins of the Cyprus Problem (Tue Jan 16, 05-07:00pm, 1-190)
Brendan O'Malley;British journalist,co-author of "The Cyprus Conspiracy"
What is the origin of the Cyprus problem? Who's to blame? The Turks? The
Greeks? Or is it not as simple as that? What was the role of the US and
Britain as well as other regional powers in the events that led to
intercommunal violence in Cyprus? What were the interests at stake? Why did
the people who lived together for hundreds of years take up arms against
each other? Come and find out the answers to these questions and many more.
See how the Cyprus problem fits in the puzzle of Middle East.
Grassroots Movement in Cyprus: Citizen Groups Building Peace (Mon Jan 22,
5-7pm, 1-190)
Benjamin Broome, Professor of Communication, Arizona State U
A growing number of Cypriots from both the Turkish and Greek communities
are getting involved with the peace-building efforts. Despite obstacles,
people in the two communities are finding ways to come together and
organize activities that increase mutual trust and understanding. Recent
activities include a "Festival of Mutual Understanding" attended by
thousands of people from both sides of the ethnically-divided island as
well as "reunion meetings" for the people who used to live in the same
villages before the division. Benjamin Broome, who was a Fulbright Fellow
in Cyprus, will talk about citizen-level peace-building efforts in the
island. The event will be followed by short videos from the events
organized by the bicommunal groups.
The Future of Cyprus: Perspectives of Cypriot Youth (Mon Jan 29, 5-7pm, 1-190)
Hear some different perspectives of Cypriot youth on the future of their
island. Greek and Turkish Cypriot students will talk about the Cyprus
problem as it relates to their everyday-life as well as their hopes and
expectations for the future. You know what the politicians have to say. Now
you can find out the perspectives of today's Cypriot youth on the past,
present, and future of their island.
