December 13, 2002

ACNIS Press Conference on
Armenian Opinion Formers’ Visit to NATO and SHAPE

Yerevan—The Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) held a press conference today on Armenian opinion formers’ visit to NATO headquarters and SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe) in Brussels on December 5 and 6 of this year. Headed by ACNIS research director Prof. Tatoul Manasserian, the delegation comprised national parliamentarian Grigor Haroutiunian, deputy chairman of the Standing Committee on State-legal Issues; Karine Danielian, public activist and former Minister of Environment; Jemma Hasratian, president of the Association of Women with University Education; Aram Hovhannisian, assistant to the defense attache, US Embassy; Vladimir Dilanian, councilmember of the Russian Armenians’ Union; Mikael Shahverdian, independent analyst; Hovsep Seferian, chairman of Armenian Businessmen’s Corporation; Sedrak Sedrakian, vice president of Grand Sun company; and Julvern Hovhannisian, chairman of SEVIT company.

In his address to journalists, Manasserian noted that, “The main purpose of the visit was to discuss the proposal made by me earlier this year on productive collaboration in the context of eliminating common threats in the Caucasus region.” Members of the delegation stressed that the ACNIS initiative was met with high praise by NATO representatives.

Presentations and discussions at NATO headquarters included the topics of NATO’s current political agenda, NATO’s role in the Caucasus, NATO-Russia relationship, the Partnership after Prague, and the Science for Peace Program, during which Prof. Manasserian presented Armenian and ACNIS views and perceptions. Manasserian conferred with George Katsirdakis, deputy director of Defense Partnership and Cooperation Directorate; Dr. Jamie P. Shea, director of Information and Press; Monique Tuffelli-Pierre, head of Outreach and Partner Relations Section; Despina-Ino Afentouli, liaison officer from Greece; and Dr. Suzanne Michaelis, assistant director of Scientific and Environment Affairs Division.

Great importance was attached to Armenia’s participation in the Partnership for Peace program, especially in light of future tangible support to science and technology projects and specialist trainings. Brisk discussions followed on NATO enlargement and its geopolitical consequences, Science for Peace, and other issues of common concern. Science for Peace helps partner scientists to increase contacts in the NATO science community, while building a stronger science infrastructure.

Founded in 1994 by Armenia’s first Minister of Foreign Affairs Raffi Hovannisian and supported by the Lincy Foundation and 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 2002, the Center focuses increasingly on public outreach, civic education, and applied research on critical public and foreign policy issues for the state and the nation.

For further information on the Center and its activities, call (37410) 52-87-80 or 27-48-18; fax (37410) 52-48-46; e-mail root@acnis.am or info@acnis.am