ACNIS HAILS FORTHCOMING RELEASE OF IMPRESSIVE NEW MEMOIR, “FAMILY OF SHADOWS: A CENTURY OF MURDER, MEMORY, AND THE ARMENIAN AMERICAN DREAM.”
Yerevan—The Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) issued a statement on August 27 hailing the forthcoming publication of an impressive new memoir entitled “Family of Shadows: A Century of Murder, Memory, and the Armenian American Dream,” by Garin K. Hovannisian. The 304-page book represents the latest contribution to professional scholarship examining the historical period spanning the Armenian Genocide through the rebirth of the modern Republic of Armenia, as told by the narrative of three generations of a prominent Armenian-American family. [Full story]
August 24, 2010
ACNIS DIRECTOR RICHARD GIRAGOSIAN COMMENTS ON EXTENSION OF ARMENIAN-RUSSIAN BASING AGREEMENT
In a series of interviews timed with the visit of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to Yerevan, Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) Director Richard Giragosian commented on the revised basing agreement between Armenia and the Russian Federation that extended the duration of the Russian base by 24 years. The ACNIS director was interviewed by the Russian “Rosbalt” news agency on August 20th and by the “Zhamanak” newspaper on August 24th. [Full story]
TURKISH NEWSPAPER CITES ACNIS IN WARNING OF DANGER OF “ARMS RACE IN THE CAUCASUS”
In the August 19th edition of the English-language Turkish newspaper, the “Hürriyet Daily News,” ACNIS Director Richard Giragosian was cited in an article entitled “Baku-Yerevan arms race surfaces in Caucasus.”
The article warned that “Caucasus-watchers are alarmed by the potential for renewed hostilities between Azerbaijan and Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh. Frustrated at the lack of progress through diplomatic means, Baku is rapidly boosting its arsenal as Yerevan ramps up military cooperation with Russia, raising concerns that armed skirmishes could resume and even spiral into war.” [Full story]
WHITHER CSTO: RUSSIAN POWER, ARMENIAN SOVEREIGNTY, AND A REGION AT RISK
By Raffi K. Hovannisian
Yerevan—ACNIS Founder Raffi K. Hovannisian, independent Armenia’s first minister of foreign affairs, who currently chairs the Heritage Party and represents it in Parliament, released an insightful analysis entitled, “Whither CSTO: Russian Power, Armenian Sovereignty, and a Region at Risk.” [Full story]
The English version was published in the “Foreign Policy Journal” and “Europe’s World.” The Armenian version was published in the August 13th issue of the “Aravot” daily newspaper and the Russian version was reprinted by the Regnum news agency.
August 6, 2010
ACNIS CONVENES TWO-DAY YOUTH FORUM
Yerevan—The Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) convened a special two-day “ACNIS Youth Forum” on August 5 and 6, 2010. The first in a series of monthly events devoted to critical issues from a perspective of Armenian youth, this Youth Forum focused on Armenia-Diaspora issues, with several presentations by ACNIS summer interns and volunteers. The two-day Youth Forum comprised over fifty participants, including representatives from the Armenian parliament, the Diaspora Ministry and several diasporan organizations. [Full story]
July 16, 2010
ACNIS Holds Seminar on National Symbols, Independent Statehood, and Armenian Language
Yerevan—The Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) convened a roundtable discussion today, entitled “National symbols, independent statehood and Armenian language,” focusing on the Armenian language as a foundation for Armenian statehood and independence. The meeting brought together leading analysts, policy specialists, public and political figures, including the head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan, Ambassador Sergey Kapinos, as well as NGO representatives, and members of the press. [Full story]
Yerevan—The Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) convened a research and writing workshop for students and youth activists on Tuesday, July 13, with two specific presentations: “Research & Analysis: The Process of Analysis” and “Writing Rules and Skills,” followed by a practical presentation on “Sources and Sites: Internet Research & Information.” [Full story]
Yerevan—The Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) held a special workshop for students and youth activists on Friday, July 9, with two presentations: “Political Technology: The Use of Images in Political Messages” and “Global Threats & Challenges: Opportunities for Armenia.” The workshop was attended by nearly 40 students and youth activists, as well as by the head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan, Ambassador Sergey Kapinos, along with several members of his local OSCE staff. [Full story]
ACNIS PRESENTATIONS ON AZERBAIJANI ARMED FORCES AND UPDATE ON NAGORNO KARABAGH
Yerevan—The Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) held two presentations on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 6 and 7, providing an assessment of the Azerbaijani armed forces and an update on current developments in Nagorno Karabagh. [Full story]
Yerevan—The Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) convened a special workshop on scenario planning today, with presentations by analyst Sargis Harutiunian and ACNIS Director Richard Giragosian. The workshop offered a “new innovative concept of strategic planning and policy formulation related to regional security studies and based on several different scenarios.” [Full story]
ACNIS Senior Analyst Manvel Sargsian’s interview to the Arminfo news agency. [Full interview in Russian]
June 24, 2010
ACNIS Holds Reception To Release A New Book
Yerevan—The Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) hosted a special reception today to mark the release of ACNIS Senior Analyst Manvel Sargsian’s new Russian-language 220-page book, entitled “Nagorno Karabagh: War and Politics (1990-1993). War in Nagorno Karabagh and Domestic Conflict in the Armenian Society.” [Full story]
ACNIS DIRECTOR RICHARD GIRAGOSIAN COMMENTS ON RECENT AZERBAIJANI ASSAULT AGAINST KARABAGH
Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) Director Richard Giragosian commented on the recent Azerbaijani military assault against Armenian defensive positions in Nagorno Karabagh in an interview on June 22 with the “Armenia Today” news agency. [Full interview in Russian]
June 21, 2010
Manvel Sargsian’s Interview with News.am
Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) Senior Analyst Manvel Sargsian provided an interview with News.am on Armenia’s domestic political situation and the “battle for democracy.” [Full interview in Armenian]
June 16, 2010
ACNIS Assesses the Regional Balance of Power and Analyzes Defense Reform in Turkey, Azerbaijan, Georgia and the Broader Region
Yerevan—The Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) convened a roundtable discussion today focusing on the regional balance of power, with presentations on defense reform and civil-military relations in Turkey and Azerbaijan, as well as a look at these issues in Georgia and Iran. [Full story]
TO EVERYTHING A SEASON:
TURKEY, ISRAEL AND THE MOMENT OF TRUTH
By Raffi K. Hovannisian
Yerevan—Today’s Turkey is the denialist bearer of the Ottoman execution of the great genocide and national dispossession of the Armenian people nearly a century ago. [Full story]
Russia is Trying to Leave Armenia, Yerevan Headed for NATO
It is safe to say that if the most shocking event for the world in the last ten days was the Turkish-Israeli bloody “political spectacle” in the Mediterranean Sea, the intrigue of the decade for Armenia can be considered “strange” objection of Serzh Sargsyan in Brussels at a joint press conference by NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen that “the Alliance is not involved directly in the conflict settlement process.” CSTO member states submitted a proposal to involve in the Karabagh conflict not in his native defensive organization, but to its “enemy” - NATO. Yes, and with allusions to the fact that the zone of Nagorno Karabagh is Europe. Hence, the threat was seen in “their camp.” [Full story in Russian]
ACNIS Senior Analyst Manvel Sargsyan’s Interview With Respublika Armenia Newspaper
On June 2, Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) Senior Analyst Manvel Sargsian gave an interview to the Respublika Armenia newspaper on recent developments concerning the Nagorno Karabagh issue. [Full story in Russian]
ACNIS DIRECTOR COMMENTS ON ARMENIAN-RUSSIAN PRESIDENTIAL MEETING
In an interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Armenian Service, ACNIS Director Richard Giragosian commented on the June 1 meeting between Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian and his Russian counterpart, Dmitry Medvedev, in Rostov-on-Don. The two presidents discussed Russian-Armenian bilateral economic relations, “regional issues of mutual interest,” and the future of Armenian-Turkish diplomacy, according to Russian officials. [Full story]
ACNIS WARNS OF THREATS TO CIVIL LIBERTIES IN ARMENIA
In a statement released on June 1 and published by the ArmeniaToday news agency, ACNIS warned of mounting threats to civil liberties in Armenia, stressing that the country is suffering from “an unprecedented retreat from the ideal of democracy.” [Full story]
ACNIS PREPARES SUMMARY OVERVIEW OF NEW US NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY
On May 27, 2010, the Obama Administration released its first “National Security Strategy,” a comprehensive articulation of President Obama’s national security strategic approach and priorities. ACNIS has prepared a brief 5-page summary overview of the report. [Full story]
May 26, 2010
ACNIS Assesses Recent Developments in Greece, Kyrgyzstan and Thailand: Are there Lessons for Armenia?
Yerevan—Following a series of significant developments in several countries over the past several weeks, the Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) convened a roundtable discussion today to analyze the implications for Armenia from those events. ACNIS Director Richard Giragosian presented an analysis examining the recent political unrest in Thailand, the economic crisis in Greece, and assessing the resurgence of violence in Kyrgyzstan, as well as looking at the continuing political crisis in Iran. The roundtable was attended by over thirty guests, including representatives from the diplomatic community, international organizations and a number of Armenian students, analysts and journalists. [Full story]
ACNIS Assesses the Recent Unrest in Kyrgyzstan:
Are There Lessons For Armenia?
Yerevan—Following the recent unrest in Kyrgyzstan that resulted in the resignation of President Kurmanbek Bakiev’s government, the Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) today convened a roundtable discussion to analyze the situation in Kyrgyzstan and to assess the implications, if any, for Armenia. The roundtable was attended by over forty guests, including representatives from the diplomatic community, international organizations and a number of prominent Armenians experts, analysts and journalists. [Full story]
As yet another April 24th commemoration of the Armenian genocide has passed, yet another American president has failed to accurately or honestly invoke the genocide definition for what he has termed the “Meds Yeghern.” Although the dubious distortion of the historical record was not a surprise, it does represent a disappointment. [Full story]
CENTER STAFF PARTICIPATE IN REGIONAL SECURITY CONFERENCE
On April 16-17, 2010, ACNIS Senior Analyst Manvel Sargsian and Director Richard Giragosian participated in a conference organized by the Concord Center for Political and Legal Studies and sponsored by the German Friedrich Ebert Foundation. The conference, entitled “New Challenges to Southern Caucasus: Democracy and Regional Security,” was held in Tsakhadzor and ACNIS staff joined participants from Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russia and Turkey, as well as some from Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Karabagh.
Richard Giragosian’s presentation (in English) is available here.
April 19, 2010
The Beginning of the Path Towards Constitutional Armenia
The Armenian body politic became involved in the discussions over personal rights and the principles of state arrangements on the basis of “equal rights and equal responsibility.” The political reality of the country became subject to more rational assessments. Even the existing thesis “about the restoration” of constitutional order was criticized. Many people understood that there never was such a constitutional order in Armenia to begin with. [Full story in Russian]
ACNIS Again Looks at the Prospects for the Normalization of the Armenian-Turkish Relations
Yerevan—At the threshold of the Armenian Genocide’s 95th anniversary, the Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) today convened yet another roundtable discussion regarding the prospects for the normalization of the Armenian-Turkish relations against the backdrop of the most recent developments. [Full story]
ACNIS SENIOR ANALYST MANVEL SARGSIAN GIVES INTERVIEW ON RECENT ARMENIA-TURKISH MEETING TO NEWS.AZ
ACNIS Senior Analyst Manvel Sargsian gave an interview with the Azerbaijani news agency News.Az on April 14, 2010. In the interview, which was published in Russian and English, Sargsian provided his assessment of the recent meeting between Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. [Full story]
Kyrgyzstan-Armenia: Between Tyranny and Unrest – The Right to Revolt
Several years after the “Tulip Revolution” in 2005, a widespread people’s movement overthrew the political system in Kyrgyzstan thus practically destroying all state institutions. Since the events in Kyrgyzstan greatly resonated among the Armenian body politic, there is a sense in talking about the universal components of the Kyrgyz phenomenon. [Full story in Russian]
Yerevan—We are at the brink of a pair of wars, civil and regional, and it is better to speak now. Armenia, that ancient civilization deprived by the tragedies of yore of its capacity for contemporary statecraft, needs immediately to put its house in democratic order. Finally responsible for its own record, it also has legitimate expectations of the international partnership. [Full story]
WHAT DOES A MUTUAL COMPROMISE MEAN AND HOW CAN WE FIGHT AGAINST IT?
In the view of ACNIS Administrative Director, the Karabagh issue’s solution on the basis of mutual compromise does not mean at all the return of territories which are constitutionally fixed as parts of the MKR. It is important to understand what Azerbaijan understands and what Armenia understands under a mutual compromise. [Full story in Russian]
ACNIS FOUNDER ADDRESSES SECOND ANNUAL “POLICY FORUM ARMENIA” EVENT ON ARMENIA-DIASPORA RELATIONS
ACNIS Founder Raffi K. Hovannisian served as the keynote speaker for the second annual “Policy Forum Armenia” seminar on Armenia-Diaspora relations held in Washington, DC from February 28-March 2, 2010. [Full story]
RADIO FREE EUROPE/RADIO LIBERTY (RFE/RL) PUBLISHES CRITICAL ASSESSMENT OF AZERBAIJAN’S ARMED FORCES
Yerevan—Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) published a crucial assessment of the Azerbaijani armed forces on March 15, 2010. The assessment, co-authored by noted RFE/RL Caucasus expert Liz Fuller and ACNIS Director Richard Giragosian, focused on conditions within the Azerbaijani defense sector in the wake of renewed threats of war in recent months by senior Azerbaijani officials. The assessment, which was published in the RFE/RL “Caucasus Report,” noted the “profound disparity between such militant rhetoric and the military reality” in Azerbaijan. The authors also discussed the role of Azerbaijan’s long-serving defense minister as a key figure in state corruption within Azerbaijan. [Full story]
Novosti-Armenia news agency interviews
ACNIS Senior Analyst Manvel Sargsyan
and Director Richard Giragosian
Manvel Sargsyan's interview (in Russian) is available here.
Richard Giragosian's interview (in Russian) is available here.
February 22, 2010
ACNIS HOLDS RECEPTION TO RELEASE NEW YEARBOOK:
“ACNIS AT 15: THE POWER OF NEW IDEAS”
Yerevan—On February 19, the Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) hosted a special reception to release the new ACNIS annual yearbook publication, entitled “ACNIS at 15: The Power of New Ideas” [see Table of Contents]. The reception was attended by over 100 guests, including members of the Armenian parliament and government officials, representatives from international organizations and members of the diplomatic community in Armenia, including Italian Ambassador Bruno Scapini, British Ambassador Charles Lonsdale and Ambassador Sergey Kapinos, the head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan. [Full story]
ACNIS DIRECTOR RICHARD GIRAGOSIAN PROVIDES UPDATE ON TURKISH-ARMENIAN DIPLOMACY:
“NO LAUGHING MATTER”
Yerevan—On February 4, Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) Director Richard Giragosian spoke at a press conference at the “Hayatsk” press club and provided an updated, but critical assessment of the current state of Turkish-Armenian diplomacy. Giragosian argued that in light of Turkey’s “latest display of political posturing and dubious attempt to pressure Armenia, the state of Armenian-Turkish diplomacy is no laughing matter.” [Full story]
The Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) launched the publication of a new regular series of monthly newsletters on February 1, 2010. The first issue of the “ACNIS Monthly Newsletter” provides a brief summary of ACNIS projects, events and activities for the month of January 2010.
ACNIS SALUTES THE ARMENIAN ARMED FORCES ON ARMY DAY
Yerevan—The Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) issued a statement saluting the Armenian armed forces on “Army Day,” marking the 18th anniversary of the founding of the modern Armenian armed forces. [Full story]
ACNIS DIRECTOR REFUTES TURKEY’S CRITICISM OF ARMENIA AS “DISINGENUOUS AND UNFAIR”
Yerevan—On January 25, 2010, the Turkish daily newspapers “Today’s Zaman” and the “Hurriyet Daily News & Economic Review” published the comments of Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) Director Richard Giragosian in which he criticized the recent Turkish criticism of the January 12 ruling by the Armenian Constitutional Court. Giragosian dismissed the Turkish Foreign Ministry’s recent statement alleging that the Armenian Court’s “decision contains preconditions and restrictive provisions which impair the letter and spirit of the protocols.” The ACNIS director pointed out that the Turkish criticism of Armenia represented a dubious attempt by Turkey “to create a new political “pretext” to withdraw from the (Armenian–Turkish) protocols. [Full story]
January 19, 2010
ACNIS COMMEMORATES THE THIRD ANNIVERSARY OF THE MURDER OF
HRANT DINK
MORE THAN A MAN…..
Hrant Dink
1954-2007
In Memoriam,
The third anniversary of his murder
Yerevan—The Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) issued a statement today commemorating the third anniversary of the death of noted Turkish-Armenian intellectual Hrant Dink. [Full story]
ACNIS CRITICIZES AZERBAIJANI PRESIDENT’S RENEWED THREATS OF WAR
Yerevan—Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) Director Richard Giragosian issued a statement today criticizing Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s renewed “threats of war.” The statement, entitled “Azerbaijan’s New Year Message: Wishes for War,” highlighted the fact that in most countries, leaders usually address their people with a traditional New Year’s message that seeks to convey a message of cooperation, peace and prosperity. But in the case of Azerbaijan, this New Year’s message for 2010 was one of war. Sadly, the militant threats and aggressive rhetoric emanating from Baku was a disturbing message for Yerevan. But it was also a warning to the international community that peace and security in the South Caucasus will not be a certainty for 2010. [Full story]
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. [Full story]
ACNIS Holds Closed Discussion on the Issue of the Security, Safety and Vitality of the National Connection of Armenia
Yerevan—The Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) today convened a closed seminar regarding the issue of the security, safety and vitality of the national Internet connection of Armenia, with participants including officials from the Armenian National Security Council, the Armenian Ministry of Defense and other professionals and experts from the security sphere. [Full story]
ACNIS Holds Roundtable Discussion on Gender Equality and the State of Women’s Rights in Armenia
Yerevan—The Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) convened a roundtable discussion today examining gender equality and the state of women’s rights in Armenia. [Full story]
TURKEY BETWEEN ETHICS AND POLITICS:
PUT IT ALL ON THE TABLE
By Raffi K. Hovannisian
Yerevan—In Washington, Brussels, Moscow and elsewhere, Turkish President Abdullah Gul, Prime Minister Erdogan, Foreign Minister Davutoglu and others have long advocated combining onto one political agenda their country’s normalization of relations with Armenia and the resolution of Mountainous Karabagh’s conflict with Azerbaijan. [Full story]
“The real outcome of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict to depend on how Turkey solves the contradictions in its own foreign policy,” comments by ACNIS Director Richard Giragosian to Azerbaijan’s Trend News Agency
On December 9, the Baku-based Azerbaijani “Trend” News Agency published comments by ACNIS Director Richard Giragosian on the recent visit of Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan and Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu to Washington. [Full story]
November 5, 2009
ACNIS Holds Roundtable Discussion on Armenian-Turkish Diplomacy & Nagorno Karabagh:
“Deal or No Deal?”
Yerevan—The Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) convened a roundtable discussion today entitled “Armenian-Turkish Diplomacy & Nagorno Karabagh: “Deal or No Deal?” that assessed recent developments between the two issues. The event was attended by several ambassadors and senior diplomatic officials from the European Commission, the European Union’s Special Representative for the South Caucasus, the Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), as well as staff from the British and U.S. embassies, and the Armenian Ministry of Defense. [Full story]
ACNIS DIRECTOR RICHARD GIRAGOSIAN CONTRIBUTES CHAPTER ON ARMENIA IN NEW BOOK ON “DEMOCRACY’S PLIGHT IN THE EUROPEAN NEIGHBOURHOOD”
ACNIS Director Richard Giragosian contributed a chapter on Armenia entitled, “Armenia’s Crisis for the Non-Democrats,” in a new book published by the Centre for European Policy Studies in Brussels. The new book, Democracy’s Plight in the European Neighbourhood: Struggling Transitions and Proliferating Dynasties, was edited by Michael Emerson of CEPS and Richard Youngs of the FRIDE think tank in Madrid, Spain. [Full story]
October 16, 2009
ACNIS DIRECTOR RICHARD GIRAGOSIAN LECTURES AT THE MOTHER SEE OF HOLY ETCHMIADZIN
On October 16, ACNIS Director Richard Giragosian gave a lecture on regional developments at the annual meeting of the Armenian Round Table (ART) of the World Council of Churches at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. [Full story]
ACNIS DIRECTOR RICHARD GIRAGOSIAN COMMENTS ON TURKISH-ARMENIAN “PROTOCOLS”
Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) Director Richard Giragosian spoke at a press conference at the “Hayatsk” press club on October 12 to assess the recent signing of the Turkish-Armenian diplomatic protocols in Zurich, Switzerland on October 10, 2009. [Giragosian’s press conference notes]
October 12, 2009
OPEN LETTER TO THE ARMENIAN NATION
By Raffi K. Hovannisian
The history of the Armenian people has been an ordeal of suffering, tragedy, and genocide. In this millennial series of misfortunes, however, never has the nation invited destruction upon itself. [Full story]
ACNIS Director Richard Giragosians brief interview with Voice of America’s Armenian Service on Armenian-Turkish diplomacy, which aired on 7 October 2009
ACNIS DIRECTOR RICHARD GIRAGOSIAN PUBLISHES ANALYSIS OF “NETWORKS OF CRIME AND CORRUPTION IN THE SOUTH CAUCASUS”
ACNIS Director Richard Giragosian’s analytical article entitled “Networks of Crime and Corruption in the South Caucasus” was published in a special issue of the CAUCASUS ANALYTICAL DIGEST devoted to Organized Crime and Illegal Trafficking in the Caucasus on September 17, 2009. [Full story]
August 31, 2009
CHANGES ARE INEVITABLE
ACNIS Director Richard Giragosian’s interview
with the “168 Zham” daily newspaper
ACNIS DIRECTOR RICHARD GIRAGOSIAN’S INTERVIEW WITH THE AZERBAIJANI “TODAY.AZ” NEWS AGENCY
On August 28, the Baku-based Azerbaijani “Today.Az” News Agency published an interview with ACNIS Director Richard Giragosian. The brief interview, published in English and Russian, warned of “growing resentment and frustration” in Armenia over “an unwillingness or insincerity among the Turkish leadership for truly carrying forward the process of normalization and forging a new relationship with Armenia.” [Full story]
TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTRY RESPONDS TO ACNIS DIRECTOR RICHARD GIRAGOSIAN
In a statement released on August 14, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to ACNIS Director Richard Giragosian’s recent comments to journalists in Yerevan regarding the state of Turkish-Armenian diplomatic engagement. Citing Giragosian by name, the Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a clarification on recent Armenian media reports that quoted the ACNIS Director’s comments on Turkish-Russian relations. [full story]
ACNIS Director Richard Giragosian Convenes Special “Closed Briefing” Addressing Current Developments
Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) Director Richard Giragosian convened a special “closed briefing” on August 6 to address three of the most significant current developments in the region. The briefing featured three separate presentations, including an assessment of the latest developments in Iran’s ongoing post-election crisis, with a focus on the implications and lessons for Armenia, an update on the status of Turkish-Armenian diplomacy, and a review of the mediation effort aimed at seeking a negotiated resolution to the Nagorno Karabagh conflict. [full story]
ACNIS Director Richard Giragosian Speaks Out Against the Planned Expansion of Casino Gambling in Armenia
Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) Director Richard Giragosian joined the head of the “Reform” NGO Karine Hakobyan at a press conference at the “Hayatsk” press club on July 31 to speak out against the planned expansion of casino gambling in Armenia. [full story]
ACNIS Director Richard Giragosian Speaks to Young Armenian Political Activists
Yerevan—In a presentation organized by the Helsinki Citizens´ Assembly-Armenia (HCA-Armenia) on July 27, 2009, ACNIS Director Richard Giragosian briefed a group of several dozen Armenian university students, youth activists and members of the youth wings of several Armenian political parties. [full story]
July 23, 2009
ACNIS Convenes a Discussion on “IT Development and the Challenge of Cyber-Security in Armenia”
Yerevan—The Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) held a special roundtable discussion today on “IT Development and the Challenge of Cyber-Security in Armenia,” with three main presentations, by ACNIS Director Richard Giragosian, ACNIS Administrative Director Dr. Karapet Kalenchian and Ashot Turajyan, ACNIS System Administrator and Webmaster. [full story]
ACNIS Senior Analyst Manvel Sargsian’s presentation to the 10 July 2009 “Karabakh 2014 Scenario” Seminar, organized by the “Conciliation Resources” NGO at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in London
ACNIS Holds Seminar on “Rural Poverty and Democracy in Armenia”
Yerevan—The Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS), together with the “Farmers’ Movement” non-governmental organization convened a roundtable discussion today, entitled “Rural Poverty and Democracy in Armenia,” assessing the current situation in Armenia’s towns and villages, with a focus on the need for a more balanced policy of regional development that meets the needs of the country’s rural population and that seeks to bolster support for farmers and others engaged in the Armenian agricultural sector. [full story]
ACNIS Director Richard Giragosian Comments on
US PRESIDENT OBAMA’S MOSCOW SUMMIT
Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) Director Richard Giragosian issued a statement today commenting on US President Barack Obama's two-day summit meeting with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in Moscow. [full story]
ACNIS DIRECTOR RICHARD GIRAGOSIAN’S INTERVIEW WITH THE AZERBAIJANI “TREND” NEWS AGENCY
On July 1, the Baku-based Azerbaijani “Trend” News Agency published an interview with ACNIS Director Richard Giragosian. The brief interview, published in English and Russian, assessed the recent visit to Armenia by Georgian President Saakashvili and the Russian reaction to that state visit. [full story]
June 26, 2009
ACNIS Senior Analyst Manvel Sargsian’s Interview With Respublika Armenia Newspaper
On 26 June 2009, the Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) Senior Analyst Manvel Sargsian gave an interview to the Respublika Armenia newspaper on Russian politics in the South Caucasus since 1991. [full story in Russian]
June 25, 2009
ACNIS Holds Roundtable Discussion on “Crisis in Iran: Lessons for Armenia”
Yerevan—The Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) convened a roundtable discussion today, entitled “Crisis in Iran: Lessons for Armenia,” assessing the recent post-election crisis in Iran and examining the lessons for Armenia. [full story]
May 21, 2009
ACNIS Holds Seminar on “The Outlook for Armenian-Iranian Relations”
Yerevan—The Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) and Yerevan State University’s Center for Civilization and Cultural Studies convened a roundtable discussion today, entitled “The Outlook for Armenian-Iranian Relations,” assessing the current state of relations between the two countries in light of recent agreements on energy and transport and in the wake of the official state visit to Iran last month by an Armenian governmental delegation led by President Serzh Sarkisian. [full story]
ACNIS Director Richard Giragosian Comments on the RECENT TRILATERAL ARMENIAN-TURKISH-SWISS JOINT STATEMENT
Yerevan—Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) Director Richard Giragosian issued a statement today commenting on the recent joint declaration issued on 22 April by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Turkey and the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. [full story]
ACNIS Holds Seminar on “Armenian-Turkish Diplomacy: An Update”
Yerevan—Just two days before the annual April 24 commemoration of the Armenian genocide, the Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) convened a special roundtable seminar discussion today entitled “Armenian-Turkish Diplomacy: An Update,” providing the latest information regarding the outlook for the current effort to reach a new “normalization” of Armenian-Turkish relations. [full story]
ACNIS Director Richard Giragosian Comments on the Lessons for Armenia from Developments in Moldova
Yerevan—Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) Director Richard Giragosian issued a statement today commenting on the recent post-election crisis in Moldova and assessing the implications for Armenia. [full story]
ACNIS Director Richard Giragosian Speaks on Armenian-Turkish Relations at the “Urbat Akoumb” (“Friday Club”)
On April 8, ACNIS Director Richard Giragosian was invited to speak on the latest developments in Armenian-Turkish relations at the “Urbat akumb” (“Friday Club”). [full story]
ACNIS Presents New Policy Brief on “The Military Balance of Power in the South Caucasus”
Yerevan, April 1, 2009—The Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) convened a special roundtable seminar discussion to present a new special publication entitled, “The Military Balance of Power in the South Caucasus.” [full story]
ACNIS Presents New Monograph on the Psychology of Comparative Change
Yerevan—Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) today convened a special roundtable to present the findings of a new monograph entitled “One Year Later: The Psychology of Comparative Change in Armenia and the US.” [full story]
Yerevan—That an Armenian repatriate, American-born into a legacy of remembrance inherited from a line of survivors of genocide nearly a century ago, feels compelled to entitle his thoughts with a focus on Turkey—and not Armenia—reveals a larger problem, a gaping wound, and an imperative for closure long overdue on both sides of history’s tragic divide. [full story]
ACNIS Director Richard Giragosian Comments on Turkish Press Report Claiming “Breakthrough” over Nagorno Karabagh
Yerevan—Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) Director Richard Giragosian issued a statement today commenting on a recent report in the Turkish daily newspaper Hurriyet claiming that a new “partial agreement” has been reached between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno Karabagh, brokered by Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan. [full story]
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. [full story]
Yerevan—In his new position as the director of the Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS), Richard Giragosian brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for independent analysis. [full story]
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. [full story]
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 www.acnis.am
