March 9, 2007

ACNIS Hosts Policy Forum on Armenian Parliamentary Elections

Yerevan—The Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) today convened the latest in its international visitors’ series entitled “Elections and Democratic Consolidation,” an off-the-record presentation and panel discussion on Armenia’s upcoming parliamentary elections.

The discussion brought together scholars, policy specialists, diplomats, commentators, political leaders, and other public figures. After ACNIS founder Raffi K. Hovannisian’s opening remarks, the visiting experts presented their views on Armenia’s political scene. Dr. Valerie J. Bunce, Chair of the Government Department at Cornell University, spoke on elections and democratic consolidation. Dr. Sharon L. Wolchik, Professor of Political Science and International Affairs at George Washington University, made the case for women’s participation in elections. The discussion was moderated by ACNIS director of research Stepan Safarian.

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 2006, 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