PRESS RELEASE
September 24, 2004
Embassy of the Republic of Armenia
2225 R Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20008
Tel: 202-319-1976, x. 348; Fax: 202-319-2982
Email: armecon@speakeasy.net; Web:

Armenian Ambassador Visits University of Connecticut, Discusses Prospects
for Armenian Studies program

Armenian Ambassador to the U.S., Dr. Arman Kirakossian visited the
University of Connecticut on September 22-23, 2004, as part of the Embassy’s
outreach to the U.S. academic and research institutions. Ambassador
Kirakossian’s visit, at the invitation of University President Philip E.
Austin, aimed to discuss prospects for establishment of Armenian Studies
program at the University and inaugurate its partnership program with the
Yerevan State University (YSU).

The University of Connecticut and Yerevan State University have successfully
cooperated for fifteen years, as the University of Connecticut’s School of
Social Work helped to introduce social work program at the YSU Sociology
Department. To expand on this successful record of collaboration, an
Armenian Studies Development Committee was established at the University of
Connecticut in 2000, with its activities focusing on establishment of
Armenian Studies program at the University of Connecticut and developing
programs on Geographical Information Systems at the YSU. Recently, the
Norian Endowment Fund has been created through a generous donation by the
late Mrs. Alice Norian with the purpose of facilitating the Armenian Studies
program at the University.

During his visit to the University, Ambassador Kirakossian met with
University President Austin and members of faculty. The Armenian Ambassador
expressed his full support and endorsement for the establishment of the
Armenian Studies program at the University, noting that it should facilitate
greater collaboration between the Armenian and foreign researchers and
promote curricula and research relevant to challenges facing modern-day
Armenia.

On September 23, Ambassador Kirakossian addressed the faculty and student
body assembled at the University of Connecticut’s Dodd Center. In his
lecture, entitled “U.S.-Armenian Relations: Current Realities and Vision for
Future,” the Armenian Ambassador presented historical background and current
agenda of the U.S.-Armenian bilateral relations in political, economic,
military, security, and cultural areas, within the greater context of
Armenia’s foreign policy. Dr. Kirakossian presented Armenia’s political and
economic progress since restoration of independence in 1991, as well as
challenges facing modern Armenia, including the peaceful resolution of the
Nagorno Karabakh conflict. He expressed his confidence in the strength and
future prospects for U.S.-Armenian relations, noting that underlying them
are “shared values and principles, like freedom, democracy, advancement of
human rights, and free enterprise.” He said he hoped the University of
Connecticut’s Armenian Studies program will promote greater collaboration
between U.S. and Armenian researchers, contributing to enhancement of the
bilateral ties between our nations.

Also present at the event was prominent author Peter Balakian, who read
excerpts from his recent books, “Black Dog of Fate” and “The Burning
Tigris.”

During his visit to Connecticut, Ambassador Kirakossian met with State
Representative John C. Geragosian, Assistant Majority Leader in the
Connecticut General Assembly, who was recently elected as Vice President of
the Armenian Parliamentary Union during its inaugural congress in Yerevan.