February 5, 2010 - 10:47 AMT
RA President to make speech in Chatham House


During a working visit to London, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan will make a speech on the Armenian-Turkish relations in Chatham House, an informed source in London told PanARMENIAN.Net.

According to the source, the UK intends to intensify activities in the Caucasus, specifically in the Armenian-Turkish process.

“Supporting Turkey’s accession to the EU, the UK realizes that Ankara’s way to Europe lays through Armenia. Apparently, this was the motive for inviting President Sargsyan to London. It’s notable that Serzh Sargsyan is the first Armenian President invited to the UK,” the source said.

President Sargsyan will be in London from February 9 to 11. The lecture in Chatham House is scheduled for February 11.

Chatham House, formally known as the Royal Institute of International Affairs, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization based in London whose mission is to analyse and promote the understanding of major international issues and current affairs. It is regarded as one of the world's leading organizations in this area. It takes its name from its premises, a grade I listed 18th century house in St. James's Square designed in part by Henry Flitcroft and thrice occupied by British Prime Ministers including William Pitt, 1st Earl of Chatham.

The current chairman of the Council of Chatham House is Dr. DeAnne Julius and its Director is Dr. Robin Niblett, who succeeded Professor Victor Bulmer-Thomas in January 2007. The three Research Directors are Bernice Lee, Dr Paola Subacchi and Alex Vines OBE. Keith Burnet is Director of Communications. Dr Rosemary Hollis, a prominent Middle East expert, is a former Director of Research.

Chatham House was named the top non-US think tank by Foreign Policy magazine. Chatham House was also listed as one of the top "scholars" for being among a handful of stars of the think tank world who are regularly relied upon to set agendas and craft new initiatives.