FOYA Cyprus Newsletter - Special Edition
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Transcript of FOYA Cyprus Newsletter - Special Edition
FOYA CYPRUS Bi‐Annual Newsletter
SPECIAL EDITION, Issue 04 OCOTBER 2011
Special Update – OFFICIAL REGISTRATION
Today, October 26, 2011, FOYA Cyprus President Demetrios Nicolaides, received
information that FOYA Cyprus has officially been approved and registered as an NGO.
The Forum for Youth Advocacy (FOYA) is an international non‐governmental organization with offices in London, Kenya and Uganda. The overall mission of FOYA is to promote peace, non‐violence and reconciliation to children in conflict areas. Today the Cyprus unit of FOYA has been launched which aims to promote peace, non‐violence, reconciliation and equality between Greek and Turkish Cypriot youth. Through various seminars, conferences and inter‐communal workshops / events, FOYA Cyprus aims to contribute to the creation of a culture of peace in Cyprus. FOYA Cyprus recognizes that of the various universities and colleges in Cyprus, not one yet offers any programs or degrees affiliated with peace studies and/or peace & conflict studies. To work in overcoming this barrier, FOYA Cyprus plans to systematically fund a Peace Scholarship to assist Cypriot students who plan to travel abroad and study about peace, nonviolence and reconciliation. FOYA Cyprus also plans to administer an online course in Peace Studies; the first of its kind in Cyprus.
P. 1 – Special Update P. 2 – New Research Published
P.3 – Become a Member ‐ Join Today P.4 – Projects & Goals
SUBSCRIBE
To continue to receive updates about our projects, goals and events, click on SUBSCRIBE above, to receive our newsletter twice a year.
We understand that constant updates and e‐mails can become a nuisance, which is why our newsletter is published only twice a year.
In our newsletter you will be able to get all the information you need and all the latest development of FOYA Cyprus.
LATEST LOCAL NEWS
ROTATING PRESIDENCY
Between January and March 2010, Cyprus President, Demetris Christofias and then Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat, had agreed upon a rotating Presidency for a United Republic of Cyprus.
On October 25th, President Demetris Christofias had announced that a rotating Presidency was off the table. A rotating Presidency would see a Greek and Turkish Cypriot alternate as President of a United Cyprus. Many Greek Cypriot political leaders disagreed with such a concept.
EU STANDARD ARMY
Addressing new recruits to the Cyprus National Guard, Defence Minister, Demetris Eliades affirmed that the Government of Cyprus is committed to make the National Guard a modern, flexible army of European standards.
Eliades stated that, “we will continue to fight with will, consistency and responsibility to stop the Turkish occupation, halt the settlement and avert the nightmare of division. Our aim is a free and reunited Cyprus, an island of peace, creativity and progress for its lawful inhabitants.”
FOYA Cyprus President, Demetrios Nicolaides, believes that studying about peace, conflict and violence is the best way to guarantee security. “Lasting peace in Cyprus can only be realized through education.” “The overall goal of FOYA Cyprus is to help the youth of Cyprus understand the dynamics and complexities of peace, conflict and violence. Only by having a better understanding of these topics and by promoting non‐violence can we ensure that lasting and sustainable peace be guaranteed in Cyprus. Please visit our website at www.foyacyprus.com for more information.” FOYA Cyprus is registered as an association with the Government of Cyprus and plans to become a charity in the very new future. The association maintains no political allegiances and works with many local and international actors to promote its cause.
New Research Published
After extensive research, FOYA Cyprus President, Demetrios Nicolaides, has published his findings on the use of neo‐functionalism as an instrument of conflict transformation in Cyprus.
The paper applies the concept of conflict transformation with respect to the Cyprus dispute. It suggests a model to allow self‐realization for both communities, while at the same time providing a forum for the collaboration and/or unity of both communities. All efforts thus far to reach a settlement to the Cyprus problem have ended in failure.
Although the idea of a bi‐zonal, bi‐communal federation (BBF) is still the primary goal of both communities, the paper will argue that an alternative political settlement should also be considered. A failure in negotiations to re‐unite Cyprus may lead to the perpetuation of the status quo into the indefinite future. However, there may be a third option to consider and this is explored in the idea of ‘unity in sovereignty’.
The paper was published in Vol. 23:1, Spring 2011, of the Cyprus Review.
Become a Member ‐ Join Today
As a newly registered organization, one of FOYA Cyprus’ first priorities will be to extend its
membership base to all those who are interested. As per the FOYA Cyprus constitution,
membership is open to all individuals and all members are eligible to run as a candidate
for the Legislative Council, attend all council meetings, attend all Annual General Meetings
and of course vote!
The Legislative Council is the primary decision making body of the organization and
consists of seven members. This includes the President, Vice‐President, Secretary,
Treasurer and three regular active members.
The council members are elected for a two year renewable term at the Annual General
Meeting. The first Annual General Meeting is scheduled for January, 2012.
To become a membership simply contact us at [email protected] to have a
membership form sent to you. The membership form is available in English, Greek and
Turkish. Simply complete and sign the application and e‐mail it back to us.
A fee of €20 is charged for each new member (per year) and can be paid through PayPal
on our website. Visit the “About Us” section of our website and click on the “Pay Now”
button at the bottom. You can also download the membership application form from our
website.
Peace Education
“If we are to teach real peace in this world, and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with the children.” ‐ Gandhi
As one of its guiding principles, FOYA Cyprus places a great deal of emphasis on the
development of Peace Education in Cyprus. Peace Education teaches children to
understand the nature of conflict, violence and peace. It teaches them the importance
of unity and diversity. Essentially, it aspires to create a more positive future.
Through his past and present research into the dynamics of Peace Education, FOYA
Cyprus President, Demetrios Nicolaides, aspires to have FOYA Cyprus play a key role
in the development and promotion of Peace Education in Cyprus.
OUR PRINCIPLES
PEACE Lasting peace in Cyprus can only be achieved through education. FOYA Cyprus maintains as its primary principle the idea that peace is not an attainable goal. Rather, peace is an ongoing process and on that all Cypriots must be committed to working towards.
NON‐VIOLENCE
FOYA Cyprus is also deeply committed to the concept of a non‐violent and demilitarized Cyprus. We seek to create a future whereby the threat of violence will never be of concern for the people of Cyprus.
EQUALITY
Every day the demographics of Cyprus are changing. FOYA Cyprus is committed to fostering a multicultural attitude in Cyprus, whereby all nationalities are respected and diversity is fostered.
Projects & Goals
Peace Scholarship At present, FOYA Cyprus is working towards creating and managing a Peace Scholarship.
This fund will assist Cypriots students who wish to enroll in any Peace Studies program, by
providing them with a one‐time bursary. We also strive to be able to provide research
grants for graduate students, who are interested in peace research.
Online Peace Education
Unfortunately, Cyprus lags behind many if its European counterparts in peace academics
and research. While many European universities offer degree programs in Peace &
Conflict Studies, Cyprus does not. FOYA Cyprus aims to begin to rectify this problem by
hosting a free introductory to peace studies course on its website.
The course will be designed to give students insight into some of the key concepts of
peace studies.
Find us online
FOYA Cyprus
Alexandrou Papadiamanti 22 Limassol, Cyprus +357 99 950063
www.foyacyprus.com [email protected]
Make a donation today
As part of its official registration, FOYA Cyprus will also be undertaking a fundraising campaign, to help fund our Peace Scholarship (See left for more details)
Your donation even for as little as €10 or €20 will help make a difference. Individuals who make a sizeable donation to FOYA, defined as €100 or more, will receive special recognition and have their name added to our website under the “Top Donors” page.
You can make your donation online via PayPal. It is safe, fast and easy!
Next Issue: APRIL 2012