Director of Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory Hayk Harutyunyan said that the observatory stands a good chance to become one of eight regional astronomical centers worldwide.

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) plans to establish this center as part of a 10-year program on strategic development of astronomy, Harutyunyan told a press conference on December 1.

The IAU envisages implementation the program through eight regional centers worldwide. Seven countries of the region participate in the competition along with Armenia.

According to Harutyunyan, Armenia has the needed base for the establishment of a regional astronomical center. However, problems may be faced with the project financing.

He said that AMD 500mln will be required for the implementation of a five-year program.

Meanwhile, Harutyunyan noted that there are countries among participants, which lack traditions in astronomy, but have enough funds for center construction and payments to foreign scientists.

Representation of the International Center for Relativistic Astrophysics (ICRANet) is also envisaged to be opened in Armenia in 2011.

The International Astronomical Union was founded in 1919 in Brussels (Belgium). Its mission is to promote and safeguard the science of astronomy in all its aspects through international cooperation.