Electronic Precinct - Nov 1997

Openings for peace

Amongst the speakers at the 'Openings for Peace' Lecture Series are Kofi Annan, Secretary General of the United Nations, Dr Frederik Van Zyl Slabbert, former leader of the South African Progressive Party and co-founder of the Institute for a Democratic Alternative for South Africa and Dr Jan Egelan d, former Deputy Foreign Minister of Norway. Each is to address audiences at Dublin Castle, Belfast Stormont Estate and The University of Liverpool.

The inaugural lecture, entitled 'The South African Experience' was given by Dr Slabbert at the University on 21 October and that evening in Dublin and the following day in Belfast.

Over 600 people including politicians, academics, business people, peace and reconciliation groups and students attended the lecture over the two days. In Dublin the British, American and South African ambassadors were at the lecture as well as Minister Tom Moffatt. The Department of Foreign Affair s hosted a reception in honour of Dr Slabbert's first visit to Dublin and the South African Embassy held a dinner after the reception.

The Northern Ireland office also held a reception for Dr Slabbert and this was hosted by Mr John Semple, Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service.

The series has been at the instigation of The Rt Hon the Lord Owen, Chancellor of the University and previously UK Foreign Secretary and European Union Co-Chairman of the International Conference on the former Yugoslavia. Lord Owen said: 'Ireland is unique. There are no parallels and there will be no imported solutions. Nevertheless, objective dispassionate evaluation of international experience can only be helpful.'

Professor Marianne Elliott, Director of the Institute of Irish Studies and a member of the Opsahl Commission on Northern Ireland, commented: 'An important part of the Institute's work is to promote knowledge and understanding of the background to affairs in Northern Ireland. The 'Openings for Peace ' Lecture Series represents a significant boost to our programme of activities.'

The second lecture 'Israel and the Palestinians: the Oslo process' was given by Dr Jan Egeland on 18 November in Liverpool and Dublin and in Belfast on Wednesday 19 November. The final lecture will be given by Kofi Annan in early Spring 1998.

The series is sponsored by Independent Newspapers, PLC, Dublin and the charity, Humanitas.