Contact: Stephanie Boyd, 594-8761 or 594-8762
Shimon Peres Signs Agreement with SDSU Foundation
San Diego, CA, August 28, 1997 -- In an international demonstration of collaboration, Fred J. Hansen Institute for World Peace at San Diego State University Foundation and the Peres Center for Peace in Tel-Aviv signed an agreement at SDSU to further their common vision of world peace, it was announced today.
The agreement combines resources, identifies mutual interests and cooperative activities intended to foster global development of initiatives and programs to strengthen world peace. "We see this agreement as the culmination of international efforts by SDSU Foundation, the Hansen Institute and key political and scientific leaders in the Middle Eastern region to achieve a lasting world peace," said Harry R. Albers, executive director of the Institute. "We are honored that Mr. Peres has organized the Peres Center for Peace and that we can work together on such an important effort."
This cooperation between the two Institutes and their representatives will include:
Cooperation in implementation of the Middle East and Mediterranean Desert Development Program, supported by the United States House of Representatives, the United States Senate, and President Clinton, through the House Bill of the Appropriations Committee budget for 1997.
Cooperation in developing global demand-driven desert programs and projects.
Developing joint financial modalities for specific initiatives and projects which may include specific subcontracts and budget agreements between the two Institutes.
Developing program oversight modalities, such as a Steering Committee, for new, specific initiatives and projects developed jointly.
Providing fiscal management services for specific initiatives.
Engaging in joint fund-raising efforts to obtain private and public support.
Seeking political support on behalf of specific programs.
Jointly sponsoring peace-related events.
Jointly developing and disseminating peace-related publications.
Appointing representatives from each Institute to serve as members of the other Instituteís Board of Directors or governing board.
Holding occasional joint meetings attended by members of each Instituteís Board of Directors.
Providing contacts and information about Israeli and U.S. experts and resources.
Other joint and cooperative activities as appropriate.
Those signing the agreement include Stephen L. Weber, SDSU president, His Excellency Shimon Peres, Harry R. Albers, executive director for the Hansen Institute and Ambassador Uri Savir, executive director of the Peres Center and former Chief Negotiator for the Peace Process.
A key contact for carrying out cooperative activities for the Institutes will be Dr. Samuel Pohoryles, professor of rural development and recipient of Laureate of the US Government Honor Award for Contribution to Middle East and World Agriculture.