turkish-greek civic dialogue - AEGEE Europe

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AEGEE DECLARATION OF
GREEK & TURKISH FRIENDSHIP 1997
WE, AEGEE MEMBERS AND YOUNG PEOPLE
OF GREECE AND TURKEY
aware of our past and history,
recognising the differences and the common elements of our
national identities,
aspiring to a peaceful coexistence and cooperation of our countries
in the future,
HEREBY DECLARE
our awareness that between the two countries there are disputes;
our strong belief that these disputes derive primarily from
aggressive claims on sovereignty rights, prejudices that were spread
throughout the peoples in the past, and the infringement of
international treaties whenever it happens;
our certainty that solutions to every dispute must be political and
based on mutual respect, sincere intentions & good will, gradual
dialogue, and international law;
our condemnation of the use of war and violence along with the
outburst of irresponsible threats against national integrity as a
means of resolution of disputes;
our belief that the two countries must get to know and help
each other for symmetrical social progress, economic development
and improvement in the field of human rights;
our faith in the fact that although the two nations have important
differences in their civilisation and misfortunate history, the
common elements in their culture could sustain the basis for
building a «bridge of friendship» between the two countries.
AEGEE PROPOSALS ON 12 SOCIAL SECTIONS
EDUCATION
On the topic of language courses (Greek in Turkey and Turkish in Greece); we
believe that courses should be instigated with the initiative of the embassies
of our countries. Furthermore, the publication of new, improved course books
and dictionaries in various sizes and the formal certification of studies are
instrumental for the promotion of language courses. In the Higher Education,
exchange programmes between universities should be launched and intensified
and students of each country should be motivated to study in the other country.
It is also meaningful to have exchange programmes of teachers & students in
schools (secondary education) between cities in the Turkish coastline and the
Greek islands. Apart from that, history foundations of the two countries should
co-operate on the writing of regional history books. Last but not least, the
Orthodox Theological School in the island of Chalki, Turkey, should be allowed
to offer courses again.
ENVIRONMENT
Co-operation between the municipalities of the cities of the Turkish
coastline and the Greek islands for waste-water treatment;
Stricter legislation of the protection of environment (i.e.: industrial
pollution, Ramsar convention);
Furthermore, NGOs should co-operate for common action like
campaigns. Objective of these campaigns could be the banning of
any nuclear plants and nuclear wastes treatment units. Next to
these, in case of shortage of water during summertime, then the
one side should supply water to the other.
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