Boston, January 16, 22, 29: Cyprus Lecture Series

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From: "HR-Net News Distribution Manager" <dist@hri.org>

Originally From: Harvard Hellenic Society <hhs@HCS.HARVARD.EDU>

Cyprus: History, Present, and the Future

Three lectures at MIT organized by:

Eser Keskiner (eserk@mit.edu), Alexandra Manglis (amanglis@bu.edu)

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.

Brendan O'Malley; journalist, co-author of "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. (Speaker Brendan O'Malley - co-author of "Cyprus Conspiracy".)

Tue Jan 16, 05-07:00pm, MIT 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.

Mon Jan 22, 05-07:00pm, MIT 1-190

Eser Keskiner, Alexandra Manglis

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.

Mon Jan 29, 05-07:00pm, MIT 1-190

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