Preparatory work on the establishment of the Centre is almost complete and the Centre should begin operations during the first half of 2012. It will be based in Limassol, initially operating from rented accommodation until its new purpose-built premises in Makarios Avenue are ready for occupation.
As well as specialist sections offering mediation, arbitration and other alternative dispute resolution services, the Centre will house a legal institute, which will provide practical education and training in alternative dispute resolution processes to young lawyers from the Mediterranean, Middle East and Cyprus.
The Centre will focus on the resolution of international private, commercial and inter-governmental disputes, primarily in the Mediterranean and Middle East. It will be guided by a governing board of eminent figures from the world of law and politics, including Dr Boutros Boutros-Ghali, who will be the first Chairman of the Centre, Mr George Vassiliou, who will be the first Vice-chairman and Mr Amine Gemayel, former President of Lebanon, as well as other prominent personalities from South-East Europe and the Middle East.
Internationally-renowned figures in the ADR field including Michel Kallipetis QC, Professor Michèle Guillaume-Hofnung, Mr Stève Gentili and Mr J-P Vettovaglia will provide technical and legal support for the Centre. The Centre will draw on an experienced panel of mediators and arbitrators with specialist expertise in commercial matters including construction, intellectual property, shipping and real estate and will also host reputable and world-renowned legal personalities from Cyprus.
Andreas Neocleous & Co LLC is providing full organisational and financial support to the Centre during its start-up phase. In due course the Centre is expected to become one of the leading alternative dispute facilities in the world, contributing to the continued development of Cyprus as an international financial and business centre.
Published on 29.11.2011
By Andreas Neocleous & Co LLC
