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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
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November 20, 2007

ACNIS: Armenian Youth Debate

Yerevan–The Armenian Center for National and International Studies
(ACNIS) convened on November 17 a policy discussion in order
comprehensively to examine the current dilemma within Armenia’s
external policy with respect to making a choice between Russia, and
the West. The meeting brought together students from the leading
institutions of higher learning, young political activists, and
political scientists.

Welcoming the audience with opening remarks, ACNIS research coordinator
Syuzanna Barseghian underscored the need for student involvement
toward shedding light on this matter. "Instead of national interests,
the direction of Armenian foreign policy is very often decided on
the basis of deep-rooted stereotypes, and now it is up to the young
generation to change this situation." Barseghian also pointed to the
results of several public and expert surveys, conducted by ACNIS,
which show a clear difference of opinion between the body politic
and policy specialists regarding this issue.

In his intervention, Hrair Manukian of the Armenian State University of
Economics (ASUE) explored this matter from the perspective of national
interests and noted that a country’s external policy must first reflect
such interests. "Let us accept this question as our starting point:
What are the imperatives of Armenia’s development and prosperity of
Armenians, and are our measures taken toward solving the problems
in–or against–the interests of Russia, US, and Western Europe?,"
Manukian noted.

In his turn, Armen Vardanian of ASUE expressed a more unequivocal
opinion. In his view, the shared historical past of the Armenian and
Russian people and the specific political and economic facts show that
"the bearing of Armenian foreign policy has no alternative to Russia."

According to the next speaker, Sevada Gevorgian of ASUE, when choosing
a foreign policy course the first precondition must be the lifting of
all blockades. In his words, this is the reason why Armenia suffers
from numerous political and economic setbacks. "Russia hinders the
settlement of the Artsakh issue and Armenian-Turkish relations,
whereas the US supports the opening of the Armenian-Turkish border,
the stability in the Caucasus, and the prompt resolution of the
Mountainous Karabagh conflict," Gevorgian maintained. He also
emphasized the necessity for Armenia’s membership in NATO and its
inclusion in the security system consisting of its neighbors.

The policy roundtable concluded with an exchange of views and policy
recommendations among university students, civil activists, and
political scientists. In consideration of the viewpoints presented
by the students, political scientist Edward Antinian likewise offered
his expert conclusions.

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