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Press announcement
Successful Rapprochement Concert
The Rapprochement Concert between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriot which was organized by the "La Trobe" Project on Tuesday, 1st May in the Radio Theatre of the RMIT University, was successful.
The MC, Ms Anastasia Andreou, welcomed the attendants and then thanked Dr Gabriella Etmektsoglou, Mrs Maria Vamvakinou, Dr Mimis Sofokleous and Professor Desmond Cahill of the RMIT University and Professor Joe Camilleri of the Department of Political Sciences of the La Trobe University for all the help they offered in the Project.
Dr Michael S. Michael talked briefly about the Project and noted that its basic aim is to investigate the perspectives of a rapprochement between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots here in Australia. "Our aims are simple and plain: to establish communication and contact. We hope that in time this will evolve into a dialogue and through this procedure the construction of trust will be possible among the parties. At this first stage, the procedure is more important than the possible outcome", Dr Michael completed.
Next, the Australian Special Envoy for Cyorus, Mr. Jim Short, congratulated the organizers of the "La Trobe" Project and the artists for the initiative they took. He then talked about his recent visits to Cyprus, Greece, Turkey, Washington, New York, Brussels, London and Paris, which he characterized as informative and constructive. During his stay in Cyprus he met most of the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot Communities. Furthermore, Mr. Short noted that during his visit in the island he attended a Bi-Communal and Rapprochement Concert in Ledra Palace where 2-3 times a year Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots meet in order to listen to music and songs that unite them as Cypriots. The Ledra Palace Concert was attended by 2000-2500 people of all ages. The message that the organizers were trying to send was that despite all the difficulties, simple people proved that a peaceful and harmonious cohabitation is feasible.
"If you take a look at the elements that comprise the Cyprus problem, I believe that all the components exist for the solution of the problem. That is, if there is good will and trust among the parties. I left Cyprus convinced that the large majority of Cypriots want and believe in this kind of solution. One of the reasons that we are here today is to prove that even here in the distant far Australia and everywhere else in the world we can make a difference. For this reason, the organization of this kind of activities is very important for the realization of this goal", Mr. Short completed.
Next, Professor Des Cahill on behalf of the RMIT University welcomed all the attendants. In his speech he said that from the very beginning of the "La Trobe" Project, Professor Camilleri and himself, supported and reinforced the Project with their Academic knowledge. "We here in RMIT support this Project which promotes the reconciliation between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots here in Australia. Music is one of the routes that would lead us to the realization of the reconciliation between the Cypriots."
Mr. Tumer Mimi talked about the idea and preparations of the pilot concert. He stated that the musicians were giving this concert after only two rehearsals. He said that his dream is to see a Bi-Communal Orchestra tour in Australia, Greece, Turkey, London and end up in Cyprus where it will send a message of Peace and reconciliation. "We already are invited to do more pilot Concerts in Sydney and Renmark of South Australia". Finally he introduced the musicians.
The musicians were: Stelios Tsiolas, Nicholas Pantopiou, Nicholas Perentos, Murat Yucel, Tibet Agirtan, Natalia Mann, Anita Larkin, Matt Stonehouse and Tarik El Bazi. Special participation by Dr. Mimis Sofokleous.
Repertoir Included:
Finally, the SBS Radio Station, made an offer to the artists to produce a CD which will constitute bicommunal songs. Similar offer was made by the 3ZZZ Radio Station through Mr. George Zagkalis.
Expressing their contentment, the attendants, congratulated the organizers and artists of the concert and supported the organization of similar activities in the future.
Melbourne
4 May, 2001