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ACNIS Looks at Aviation Issues

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  • ACNIS Looks at Aviation Issues

    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: www.acnis.am


    July 26, 2007


    ACNIS Looks at Aviation Issues


    Yerevan--The Armenian Center for National and International Studies
    (ACNIS) today convened a policy discussion to consider the avenues for
    raising the effectiveness of Armenian aviation--one of the country's
    primary means for worldwide communication. The meeting brought
    together officials in charge of the national aviation system, leading
    analysts, policy specialists, social and political figures, and media
    representatives.

    In his opening remarks, ACNIS director of administration Karapet
    Kalenchian pointed to the tremendous role which Armenian aviation
    played during the years of establishment of the newly independent
    Armenia. "Owing to our brave pilots, we were able to overcome the
    consequences of the 1989-1994 blockade and win the war imposed upon us
    by Azerbaijan," he said. "The blockade, however, is continuing even
    now, and therefore air transportation still maintains a strategic
    importance for the state, society, and national security of Armenia."

    In his address with reference to Armenian aviation, former MP and
    economist Professor Tatoul Manasserian focused on the present-day
    concerns and challenges of this domain. He underscored the necessity
    to give maximum attention to flight security, design an all-inclusive
    development plan anchored in proper legislation and accurate
    assessment of economic efficiency, and to train new aviation experts
    who meet modern demands. "The lack of concern, state care and
    oversight, the existing cartels, and the current mode of
    operation--which causes a decline in manpower and aviation
    specialists--are breaking the backbone of this extremely important
    branch and putting an end to its positive economic effects,"
    Manasserian noted.

    The policy roundtable concluded with an exchange of views and policy
    recommendations among former head Shahen Petrosian of the General
    Civil Aviation Administration; MP and secretary of Heritage Party's
    parliamentary group Stepan Safarian; Edward Antinian, deputy chairman
    of the Liberal Progressive Party; Tatevik Bezhanian of the Miapet Avia
    Company; Yerevan State University lecturer Sasun Saribekian; Heritage
    board member Gevorg Kalenchian; and several others.

    Roundtable participants also stressed the need to reexamine this
    matter thoroughly and even to include it in the parliamentary agenda.
    In their shared view, "considering the urgency of this question and
    specifically the role and strategic import of aviation in
    consolidating Armenia's economic potential and defense capability, it
    must be the utmost duty of relevant authorities to resolve the
    existing problems without delay."

    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 2007, 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 www.acnis.am
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