PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Center for National and International Studies
75 Yerznkian Street
Yerevan 0033, Armenia
Tel: (+374 – 10) 52.87.80 or 27.48.18
Fax: (+374 – 10) 52.48.46
Email: root@acnis.am or info@acnis.am
Website:

March 9, 2007

ACNIS Hosts Policy Forum on Armenian Parliamentary Elections

Yerevan–The Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS)
today convened the latest in its international visitors’ series entitled
"Elections and Democratic Consolidation," an off-the-record presentation and
panel discussion on Armenia’s upcoming parliamentary elections.

The discussion brought together scholars, policy specialists, diplomats,
commentators, political leaders, and other public figures. After ACNIS
founder Raffi K. Hovannisian’s opening remarks, the visiting experts
presented their views on Armenia’s political scene. Dr. Valerie J. Bunce,
Chair of the Government Department at Cornell University, spoke on elections
and democratic consolidation. Dr. Sharon L. Wolchik, Professor of Political
Science and International Affairs at George Washington University, made the
case for women’s participation in elections. The discussion was moderated by
ACNIS director of research Stepan Safarian.

Founded in 1994 by Armenia’s first Minister of Foreign Affairs Raffi K.
Hovannisian and supported by a global network of contributors, ACNIS serves
as a link between innovative scholarship and the public policy challenges
facing Armenia and the Armenian people in the post-Soviet world. It also
aspires to be a catalyst for creative, strategic thinking and a wider
understanding of the new global environment. In 2007, the Center focuses
primarily on civic education, democratic development, conflict resolution,
and applied research on critical domestic and foreign policy issues for the
state and the nation.

For further information on the Center call (37410) 52-87-80 or 27-48-18; fax
(37410) 52-48-46; email root@acnis.am or info@acnis.am; or visit