The theme for the conference is: Agenda for Peace and Development: Conflict Prevention, Post-Conflict Transformation, and the Conflict, Disaster and Sustainable Development Debate.

The conference is organized by IPRA in partnership with the 10th Dealing with Disasters Series at Northumbria University, UK, and Sakarya University in Turkey.

Mr. Shepherd says a Palestinian state should be created with full military and airspace rights, as well as a right of return for Palestinian refugees, within a contiguous land larger than the current one.

"Peace is possible in the Middle East between the Israeli and Palestinian people, and between the Jews and Arabs," Mr. Shepherd said.

He kept the study "as neutral as possible, understanding both the reason for the conflicting developments, and the impact that injustice and the prevention of basic human rights has had on the civilian populations in that region."

There are several significant facts and developments that must be considered in order to break down the conflict with reason and objective understanding, according to Mr. Shepherd. These include religious history, mass dispersions, world wars, international bodies of nations, conflict, terrorism, and a myriad of claims and disputes from all parties and nations involved.

"It is important to take into account the negative aspects that both peoples have encountered as a result of sharing land. It is also important to consider the goals of all political spectrums in their respective governments," Mr. Shepherd said.

He argues a "realistic and comprehensive approach to peace between Israel and the Palestinian Authority can and should be achieved. A Palestinian state should be created."

For more information, contact Mr. Shepherd at 575.562.2259 or email [email protected].