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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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December 18, 2009
ACNIS Holds Presentation on Nagorno Karabagh by Italian Guest Scholar
Yerevan–The Armenian Center for National and International Studies
(ACNIS) convened a special presentation by ACNIS `guest scholar’ Luca
Guiduzzi from the University of Turin in Italy. The Italian
Ambassador to Armenia, the Honorable Bruno Scapini, served as the
`master of ceremonies’ for the presentation of the scholar’s research
from his recent field work in Nagorno Karabagh.
This research study on Nagorno Karabagh was conducted by Luca
Guiduzzi, a graduate of Anthropology (Masters Degree) from the
University of Turin, and was translated into English by Ms. Ilenia
Santin, an Italian language lecturer at Brusov University. The
scholar’s field work in Karabagh was conducted and completed between
August and November 2009, while Guiduzzi was a visiting `guest
scholar’ with ACNIS.
After welcoming the participants, ACNIS Director Richard Giragosian
explained that `although the scholar’s findings, research and
conclusion do not necessarily reflect the position of ACNIS or the
Italian Embassy in Armenia, both the scholar’s tenure as a visiting
`guest scholar’ at the Center and his research contribute to the
deepening of Italian-Armenian relations and help raise public
awareness of the Karabagh issue.’
In addition, Giragosian noted, Italian Ambassador Scapini’s
participation in this event `was a reflection of the ambassador’s
broader effort to deepen cooperation between Italy and Armenia and, in
this way, although this event presented the work of a young Italian
scholar, in cooperation with prominent Italian expert on the Caucasus
Dr. Aldo Ferrari, today’s event is also part of a broader effort by
ACNIS to help the Italian Embassy in Yerevan promote intellectual,
academic and analytical cooperation between Armenia and Italy.’
Italian Ambassador Scapini then welcomed the participants by
expressing his `appreciation for the efforts of ACNIS in promoting
objective research’ and thanked the Center for `having hosted Guiduzzi
as a visiting guest scholar.’ Ambassador Scapini stated that he was
`actively committed to helping to encourage Italian and Armenian
researchers, scholars and analysts to deepen their ties and
cooperation in pursuit of learning, as the best in the proper and
finest historic Italian tradition.’
Following the Ambassador’s comments, Guiduzzi then presented a summary
of his findings, which he defined as `a study of the
socio-anthropological aspects’ of Armenian identity in Karabagh.
According to the scholar, the `Soviet legacy was an important factor
as an influence over everyday life in Karabagh’ and said that the
`socio-cultural perception of the people of Karabagh was defined by a
self-perception of heroism and sacrifice that is reflected in
historical events.’
The Italian scholar then explained that this `historical continuity,
which occurs in celebrations as well as in customs, reflects a fear of
losing this recent historical past that means independence,
self-determination and the political birth of Karabagh.’ Concluding
his presentation, Guiduzzi said that he `would like to outline a
cultural approach to the negotiations (with Azerbaijan) by suggesting
a long-term preliminary phase aimed at involving both the Armenian and
Azerbaijani civil societies in order to set the basis for an
intercultural, cooperative and interactive dialogue that would turn
the adversarial logic of these peoples into a confrontation on the
economic, political and social levels.’
The presentation was then followed by a series of questions and
answers, and featured a lively exchange among several leading Armenian
analysts, experts and journalists.
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The Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) is
a leading independent strategic research center located in Yerevan,
Armenia. As an independent, objective institution committed to
conducting professional policy research and analysis, ACNIS strives to
raise the level of public debate and seeks to broaden public
engagement in the public policy process, as well as fostering greater
and more inclusive public knowledge. Founded in 1994, ACNIS is the
institutional initiative of Raffi K. Hovannisian, Armenia’s first
Minister of Foreign Affairs. Over the past fifteen years, ACNIS has
acquired a prominent reputation as a primary source of professional
independent research and analysis covering a wide range of national
and international policy issues.
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
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress