Washington, December 2: Panel discussion on Violation of Human Rights and International Law in Turkey

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From: "HR-Net News Distribution Manager" <dist@hri.org>

Originally From: Stratos Safioleas <stratos@gwis2.circ.gwu.edu>

Amnesty International, the Kosmos Hellenic Club of the George Washington University, and the Diaspora Newsletter are pleased to invite you to a panel discussion titled:

Violation of Human Rights and International Law in Turkey

The event will take place on December 2nd at the George Washington University, Funger Hall Auditorium 103, at 7.30 pm. The address is 2201 G street NW (between 22nd and 23rd, two blocks from the Foggy Bottom Metro Station). Admission is free and open to the public. The discussion will be followed by a question and answer session.

This event comes at a crucial time in world affairs. In the post-cold war era the tensions in the Balkans have intensified. Subsequently, the role of Turkey as a democratic and stable actor in the region is often questioned by the U.S. Congress, the Administration, and the European Parliament.

A number of distinguished speakers will offer a variety of perspectives on this issue, drawing from their deep knowledge and involvement in the region. They are:

Myriam Elahi, Government Program Officer of Amnesty International for Middle East and Europe. Ms Elahi will be talking about Amnesty's recent campaign on Turkey titled: No Security without Human Rights.

Christopher Hitchens, a distinguished writer and syndicated columnist, is the author of the acclaimed book "Hostage to History: Cyprus from the Ottomans to Kissinger". Mr. Hitchens has recently returned from a fact-finding mission to Cyprus and will be offering his perspective in relation to the latest events on the island.

Kathryn Porter is the President of the Human Rights Alliance (HRA), a private, non-profit organization. HRA is dedicated to the preservation and advancement of international respect for individual and collective freedoms and responsibilities, and the promotion of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Ms. Porter has visited Turkey on numerous occasions and will offer her views on the status of human rights in Turkey, particularly on the Kurdish situation.

Eugene Rossides, senior counsel in the international law firm of Rogers & Wells, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Treasury, and former United States Representative to INTERPOL. He is the author of Cyprus and the Rule of Law, and the editor of the Handbook on US Relations with Greece and Cyprus. Mr. Rossides serves also as the General Counsel of the American Hellenic Institute Public Affairs Committee. He will be offering his perspective on Turkeys policies in relation to international law.

Considering the initiatives of the United States and the international community in the area, we hope that the event will provide a greater understanding of the issues, and offer suggestions on the relevant policy responses.

For more information send e-mail Stratos Safioleas at stratos@gwis2.circ.gwu.edu or call Michael Zachariades at (202) 842.9669