YEREVAN, Armenia – On September 10, the American University of Armenia (AUA) Political Science and International Affairs (PSIA) program hosted Arman J. Kirakossian for a presentation of his book ‘Armenia and Soviet-Turkish Relations in Diplomatic Documents, 1945-1946’ published in 2018. Dr. Kirakossian currently serves as the Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to Austria as well as Ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
The book is the first translation of collected diplomatic documents to cover the sparsely-researched period of Soviet-Turkish relations when, in 1945, the Soviet government proposed the return of Kars and Ardahan as a precondition for a new treaty between Turkey and the Soviet Union.
Welcoming remarks by President Der Kiureghian highlighted the important contribution the book makes to the field, followed by Giro Manoyan, board member of the “Khatchig Babikian Publication Fund”, who introduced the significance of the book and welcomed the speaker to take the podium. Dr. Kirakossian gave a detailed presentation of the book focusing on the main findings of his research. He outlined the historical timeline of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Soviet era, delineating the history of relations between the USSR and Turkey regarding the Armenian regions and the “Armenian Question”. “I hope this book will become helpful for future historians and students of international affairs,” remarked Dr. Kirakossian.
The presentation was followed by questions and answers moderated by PSIA Program Chair, Dr. Vahram Ter-Matevosyan. In his words, “this is a must-own book for anyone interested in the history of post-WWII Europe, Armenian Diaspora and Soviet Armenia.”
The AUA PSIA program equips students with advanced analytical reasoning, critical thinking, and communication skills through the study of political science and international affairs with emphasis on local and global perspectives and practical applications of theory. The program aims to provide world-class teaching and research opportunities that prepare students to best contribute to the development of the nation.