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:

February 3, 2009

The Introductory Press Conference of the New ACNIS Director

Yerevan–As the newly-appointed director of the Armenian Center for
National and International Studies (ACNIS), well-known analyst Richard
Giragosian held a press conference today at the "Hayatsk" press-club,
with many journalists, as well as representatives from radio,
television and other media outlets in attendance.

ACNIS director Richard Giragosian presented an overview of the future
strategy, plans and activities for the coming months while also
answering a number of journalists’ questions.

"During its rich 15-year history, the Center has garnered a clear
reputation as a prominent, unbiased and neutral independent research
institute both within Armenia and throughout the Armenian Diaspora, an
achievement that will only be enhanced in the future," Giragosian
said.

In his opinion, it is the neutrality of the Center that has ensured
its unique position as a foremost research institution in Armenia. As
a leading "think tank" in Armenia, the Center conducts a wide range of
strategic research and analysis of significant public policy issues of
specific relevance to Armenia. ACNIS strategic research and analysis
covers five main program areas: public policy, economics,
international and regional studies, national security studies, and
global and regional trends.

In accordance with the Center’s commitment to transparency and
analytical integrity, all of the Center’s reports, events, and policy
recommendations will be freely open and available to the public, civil
society and all political parties, groups and organizations.

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 2008, 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