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: [email protected] or [email protected]
Website:
February 9, 2009
ACNIS Director Richard Giragosian Presents Briefing at Yerevan State
University
Yerevan–In a presentation at a round table discussion organized by
the Center for Civilization and Cultural Studies at Yerevan State
University and the Cultural Council of the Embassy of the Islamic
Republic of Iran, Armenian Center for National and International
Studies (ACNIS) Director Richard Giragosian reviewed the outlook for
US-Iranian relations and assessed the implications for Armenia.
Referring to "the new message of hope and promise for change"
expressed in recent statements by American President Barack Obama,
ACNIS Director Giragosian pointed to a "new opportunity, not to be
missed" in launching a fresh dialogue between the United States and
Iran.
The ACNIS Director added that the Obama Administration was preparing a
new effort of "vigorous diplomacy that includes direct talks with
Iran." Giragosian noted that "Armenia was in a unique position to
help support such a dialogue," explaining that "Armenia, and no other
country in this region, holds the strategic potential as a neutral
broker, capable of serving as a bridge or platform for the West to
engage Iran."
But the ACNIS Director further stated that it was "imperative for
Armenia to be included in regional economic and energy plans" and
warned that, after years of blockade imposed by Turkey and Azerbaijan,
"the international community should not squander the chance to provide
landlocked Armenia with a direct role in regional development."
The round table event was held at Yerevan State University’s Center
for Civilization and Cultural Studies and convened to coincide with
the 30th anniversary of the Islamic revolution in Iran.
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 2009, 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 [email protected] or [email protected];
or visit