Nicosia 17.3.16

On 15th March 2016, the Swedish Research Institute in Istanbul (SRII) highlights the Religious Track of the Cyprus Peace Process (RTCYPP) as part of its lecture series under the title “Can Religion Contribute to Peace in Cyprus”.

 

Peter Weiderud, one of the initiators of RTCYPP describes the process, the ‘lessons learnt’ and shares his experience working for peace in Cyprus with the religious leaders of the island since 2009.

 

“The religious leaders of Cyprus have learned that it is very difficult to reach results in a situation of conflict, if they only address their own needs and in a national context. However, when they talk together, and address principle concerns, which are in line with human rights law, they can count on international support for their claims. And when they stand up for the needs of each other, they are able to use the political trust within their own communities to enhance the human rights agenda and contribute to confidence building. This is the main learning from the Religious Track, which could be shared with others and also be applied in other conflicts and contexts.“ Stated Peter Weiderud, Director of the Swedish Institute Alexandria and the moderator of the RTCYPP.

 

The Swedish Research Institute in Istanbul (SRII) was founded in 1962 with the primary aim of promoting Swedish and Nordic research about Turkey and the Eastern Mediterranean as well as other regions that are connected linguistically, culturally, or historically.

 

The SRII organizes and hosts conferences, seminars and workshops, doctoral and master courses as well as regular lecture series on a wide range of topics. It is located on the same historic ground as the Consulate General of Sweden in Istanbul.