THE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS AT 50 YEARS

2010 marks the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the Republic of Cyprus.  Undoubtedly, the history of this island state has been turbulent: there have been intercommunal and intracommunal strife and sustained foreign interventions and intrusions with 1974 being a devastating turning point with its effects still scarring the country.  Turkey continues to occupy the northern part of the country and has consistently worked through a calculated policy of colonization to change the demography of the island.  The Republic of Cyprus strives to survive, to be creative and also to reestablish the unity of the state, the society and the economy.

Cyprus is facing on the one hand within the framework of the broader existential challenge an ethnic conflict and a liberation effort reminiscent of the 19^th century and, on the other, contemporary issues of the 21^st century such as trying to achieve full employment, a higher quality of life, the elimination of crime and of illegal immigration.  Indeed, the divergence between the best and the worst possible outcome for the future is unusually high for Cyprus.

In the context of its long standing objectives to contribute to the discussion of these challenges the Cyprus Center for European and International Affairs is organizing a symposium entitled THE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS AT CROSSROADS: Past, Present and Future which will take place on 18-19 February in Nicosia.

For more information and the programme of the symposium visit our website: www.cceia.unic.ac.cy.

To download the program of the symposium (pdf format) click here