The Broken Olive Branch Volumes I and II

Long-standing Cypriot peace scholar and practioner Dr. Harry Anastasiou, professor in the Conflict Resolution Graduate Program and the International Studies Program at Portland State University and member of the Board of Future Worlds Center has published The Broken Olive Branch Volumes I and II and it is available for all to read. The work is published by Syracuse University Press, New York, under its Peace and Conflict Studies section.

We highly recommend this book to all our associates and we encourage people to read both volumes for greater depth and balance. From the perspective of conflict analysis and peace studies The Broken Olive Branch presents a fresh analysis of the Cyprus conflict, new insights on the influence of nationalism, and the prospects for peace (see description below).

Locally in Cyprus, The Broken Olive Branch Volumes I and II are available at Moufflon Bookshop (http://www.moufflon.com.cy).

Telephone +357 22 665 155
Fax +357 22 668 703
Postal address
1, Sofouli Street, 1096 Nicosia - Cyprus

Outside of Cyprus, The Broken Olive Branch is available at Syracuse University Press (http://www.syracuseuniversitypress.syr.edu/fall-2008/broken-olive-branch.html) or your favorite online retailer.

Description:

At the forefront of its field, The Broken Olive Branch examines the dynamics of ethnonationalism in Cyprus, a country mired in a decades-long struggle fueled by ethnic rivalry. Harry Anastasiou’s analysis of Cyprus’s historic conflict examines the logic of nationalist thinking, assesses the rise of Greek and Turkish nationalism, and traces the division of Greek and Turkish Cypriots since the country won independence from British rule in 1960.

In the first of two volumes, Anastasiou offers a detailed portrait of Cyprus’s dual nationalisms, identifying the ways in which nationalist ideologies have undermined the relations between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. In the context of regional and global conflicts, he demonstrates how the ethnic rivalry was largely engineered by the leaders of each community and consolidated by the nationalist configuration of political culture. Taking a multilevel approach, he maps out the impasse and changes in ethnonationalism over time.

In the second volume, Anastasiou focuses on emergent post-nationalist trends, their implications for peace, and recent attempts to reach mutually acceptable agreements between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. He documents the transformation of Greece, Cyprus, and Turkey within the context of Europeanization and globalization. While leaders of both communities have failed to resolve the conflict, Anastasiou argues that the accession of Cyprus into the European Union has created a structure and process that promises a multiethnic, democratic Cyprus.

Editorial reviews of The Broken Olive Branch Volumes I & II

“I have read with pleasure, the admirable book, The Broken Olive Branch, by Harry Anastasiou. I was impressed by the author’s synthesis of a comprehensive history of recent events in Cyprus, with his experience in peacebuilding there, as well as with a wide array of relevant literature on nationalism, ethnic relations, and conflict resolution. He provides an enlightening analysis and exposition”.

Dr. Louis Kriesberg, Syracuse University, USA.
Professor Emeritus of Social Conflict Studies,
Founding Director, Program on the Analysis and Resolution of Conflicts

Harry Anastasiou has produced an extremely important book for the conflict analysis and resolution (CAR) field because it is the first study that focuses on a wholistic analysis of the Cyprus conflict as well as intervention approaches from a practitioner on the ground with intimidate knowledge of the issues and the actors. I am confident that the book will be used widely both in the CAR field and related social-science fields because it is both practical and engaging.

Sean Byrne, Arthur Mauro Centre for Peace and Justice,
St. Paul's College, University of Manitoba, Canada.

“Overall, this real-world application of theories and concepts from the academic study of conflict resolution makes a significant and timely contribution to the field. It adds to the literature an in-depth look at a specific protracted conflict, analyzing its complex evolution over time, vividly demonstrating the realities of complex conflict phenomena”.

Dr. Benjamin J. Broome, Arizona State University, USA
Hugh Downs School of Human Communication

“To my knowledge, there is no other book on the Cyprus conflict which so wonderfully offers a rich multidisciplinary understanding of the Cypriot experience. Moreover, it is written with clarity and compassion”.

Dr. Maria Hadjipavlou, University of Cyprus,
Department of Social and Political Sciences

Study Visit to Cyprus from The International Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) program

Eleftherios A. Michael, Assistant Professor and Academic Director at the Peace and Conflict Resolution Program from American University in Washington D.C. will be in Cyprus for a study visit from 20 to 28 March 2009 with 25 students.

A three week travel experience to Cyprus, Greece and Turkey will provide the students with a firsthand experience in understanding the various peacemaking and peacebuilding dynamics of long term and sustainable peace and reconciliation among former enemies. The trip provides students with excellent opportunities to meet with top political leaders from all sides of the conflict, including briefings by United Nations and European Union diplomats, academics, researchers and ordinary citizens whose lives have been affected in conflict zones. Students will learn from their perspectives how various roadblocks en route to peace have constrained their efforts for a political settlement and reconciliation.

Above all, the students will have a chance to give their fresh ideas as conflict analysts and peacebuilders to help find the way forward for people in their quest to better understand one another and coexist peacefully.

FWC will host the students on 27 March at 14.30 at the Centrum Hotel along with presentations from other Cypriot NGOs. Please contact Larry for more details.

Safer Internet Helpline for Children

The Pancyprian Coordinating Committee for the Protection and Welfare of Children in collaboration with the CyberEthics project are hiring operators for the operation of the Safer Internet Helpline for Children.

The Helpline publicly announces its desire to train and hire a number of telephone counselors. The training will span two days, and will take place on the 4th (10a.m – 2p.m) and 8th (3p.m-6p.m) of April. The criteria for participation are a background in counseling, psychology, pedagogy or other related fields which place an emphasis on the cultivation of high-level communication skills. Upon successful completion of the training, the applicants will receive a certification of attendance and will be able to work as Helpline operators.

The operators will be expected to work a number of 1 hour shifts each month, depending on the number of applicants who successfully complete the training. The operators will be paid €5 for each shift.

Anyone interested in participating can communicate with the coordinator of CyberEthics, Mrs. Georgina Shitta at 22873820 or with the Safer Internet Helpline coordinator, Lawrence Kalogreades, via email at lawrence@cnti.org.cy. All applicants are requested to send a CV/resume to this email address.

The Safer Internet Helpline is co-operated by the Pancyprian Coordinating Committee for the Protection and Welfare of Children (PCCPWC) and the Cyprus Neuroscience and Technology Institute. Its goal is to provide guidance and counseling on Internet Safety Issues. The Helpline will operate daily between 20.00-21.00.

Analogous Helplines are being launched throughout Europe with the support of the European Commission. The European Commission is convinced that children encounter dangerous and disturbing materials on the Internet and they experience fear, intimidation and bullying. The possibility to talk anonymously to a professional may support them psychologically to deal with such complex situations and even take action and report illegal webpages. The Cyprus Neuroscience and Technology Institute together with CYTA operate also a Hotline where such anonymous reports can be done. The website is at www.cyberethics.info.

Partners in the CyberEthics project are also CYTA, the Pedagogical Institute of the Ministry of Education and the Turkish Cypriot NGO, Olive Branch Foundation.

Please also click here to see an article in the Cypriot Media about the Helpline

Human Rights Methods in Youth Work

Training Course on "Human Rights Methods in youth work", taking place at International House Sonnenberg from April 2nd to 9th, 2009

We are very happy to announce that the application for our Training Course on Human Rights Methods (the idea was developed on the SIG II meeting in Rome in July) was accepted by the Youth in Action programme. We found a whole colourful bouquet of nine international partners – mostly members of the DARE network – who support the project, such as “Partners Bulgaria Foundation”, “Future Worlds Center” Cyprus, “Centre for Europe” Great Britain, “Human Rights Education Associates” Netherlands and the DARE network itself. Other countries involved are Lithuania, Georgia, Ucraine, Italy and of Germany as host country.

Each partner is going to send at least 4 young multipliers (between 18 and 30 years) to participate in the one-week training course that will cope with basic educational methods to involve the subject of Human Rights in youth work. Therefore a big variety of workshops, held by experienced trainers, will be offered. The aim of the training is to equip trainers and/or teachers who are already experienced in the field of youth work with a set of general knowledge and basic methodology on Human Rights education. Moreover there will be lots of chances for mutual exchange of experience and the development of new project ideas. Participants will be able to implement new methods and activities into their daily youth work, in order to raise awareness for Human Rights among young people all over Europe.

Costs: 145,- € (90,-€ reduced) participation fee,
the participants have to come up for 30% of their travel costs. 70% of the travel expenses will be reimbursed at the training according to receipts up to a maximum of 300,- Euros per person.

The facility “International House Sonnenberg” is situated in the beautiful National Park of the Harz Mountains, surrounded by the bigger cities of Hannover, Göttingen and Braunschweig. Besides the comfort of modern accommodation, tasty food, and well-equipped conference rooms, the picturesque scenery invites for relaxing hikes in the forests and mountains. For more information please check http://www.sonnenberg-international.de/Veranstaltungen/2009/details_uk.php?Mode=1&ID=16.

We are looking forward to an intense international week with new impulses, contacts and a high level of professional exchange on up-to-date methods of Human Rights Education. If you’re interested in participating, sending participants or running a workshop as a trainer, please respond to Larry Fergeson by clicking here.

Looking forward to welcome many active young multipliers in the first week of April!

JOB OPENINGS at FWC - Unit for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture

The following jobs are open at Future Worlds Center:

Psychologist
Duties and responsibilities
• Provide one to one psychological support to asylum seekers, refugees and their families
• Provide rehabilitation to victims of torture and other patients of PTSD
• Evaluate progress of clients and facilitate their communication with social services with the assistance of the social counselor
Preferred Qualifications
• Advanced University Degree in Psychology
• Experience with Victims of torture and other patients of PTSD will be favored

Administrator-Secretary-PA
Duties and Responsibilities
• General secretarial tasks, such as telephone, fax, letter writing.
• Preparation of reports
• General project management and monitoring of tasks

Preferred Qualifications
• Secretarial Degree and/or degree in Management.
• Fluency in Greek and English
Prospective candidates will be evaluated against general criteria representing the Center’s culture namely:
Ethics, fairness and respect for diversity
Credibility & resourcefulness
International orientation
Ambition & continuous improvement
Leadership; team player; multi-tasking
Innovative thinking and attitude

To apply for a job at Future Worlds Center, send us the following:
• Resume;
• Letter addressing your fit with Future World’s Center selection criteria and Center’s culture listed above. You may share life experiences, challenges and successes.
• Three professional or academic references (please provide name, contact information, and a few details about how the person knows you).
Applications must be complete to be considered. We do not contact referees without notifying applicants.
Closing date for this round of applications is March 31st 2009
Applications can be submitted only by email at: recruitment2009@futureworldscenter.org