The Peace Initiatives Project
Portland State University 2002-present
Launched in 2002, the Peace Initiatives Project develops and fosters multipronged academic and practical engagements in enhancing interethnic peace in Cyprus, Greece and Turkey in the context of the European Union’s integration process in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Peace Initiatives Project is co-directed by Dr. Harry Anastasiou, a scholar of Greek background, professor of International Peace Studies in the Conflict Resolution Graduate Program, and Dr. Birol Yesilada, a scholar of Turkish Cypriot background, professor of Political Science and Chair of Turkish Studies at the Hatfield School of Government.
The commencement of the Peace Initiatives Project at Portland State University was formally announced in Cyprus on May 8th 2002 at the Fulbright Center inside the UN buffer zone of the then divided city of Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus. Those present included: The University’s Dean Dr. Marvin Kaiser; Mr. E. John Rumpakis (the first private benefactor of Anastasiou’s appointment and of the Peace Initiatives Project); Mr. Andy Banis, Supreme President of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, together with his Delegation; the American Ambassador to Cyprus Donald Bandler; the Director of the Cyprus Fulbright Commission Daniel Hadjittofi; and leading Greek and Turkish Cypriots personalities and leaders involved in interethnic peace-building initiatives.
Overall, the elements of the Peace Initiatives Project include:
- A peace studies program focusing on Cyprus, Greece, Turkey and the larger Eastern Mediterranean region;
- Academic research in conflict analysis and resolution advancing current knowledge and practice in the area of peace-building activities in the region;
- Publications, seminars and media presentation on peace related perspectives, initiatives and activities in Cyprus, Greece and Turkey;
- Opportunities for Greek Cypriot, Turkish Cypriot, Greek and Turkish students to study together at Portland State University in the area of Conflict Resolution, Political Science and International Studies;
- Public events, conflict resolution workshops and projects in the USA and the Eastern Mediterranean enhancing rapprochement and constructive cooperation between Greeks and Turks;
- An annual study abroad course where students travel to Cyprus for experience-based study in conflict transformation;
- Opportunities for students to conduct peace related research and complete internships in relevant institutions and organizations in Cyprus, Greece and Turkey.
- Opportunities for students to learn and contribute through any kind of peace-promoting engagement in Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean region.
From the very outset the Peace Initiatives Project received written endorsements from several leaders and dignitaries including: His Excellency Mr. George Vassiliou, former President of the Republic of Cyprus; His Excellency Mr. George Papandreou, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and current Prime Minister of Greece; Mr. Donald Bandler, American Ambassador to Cyprus; Senator Mark Hatfield of Portland, Oregon; and Senator Gordon Smith of Portland, Oregon.
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