October 21, 2009 - 17:12 AMT
Armenology chair to be closed in Freie Universitat Berlin
Chair of Armenian Studies of the University "Freie Universitat Berlin" will be closed, Jirayr Kocharian , the lecturer "Freie Universitat Berlin", Doctor of Indo-European and comparative linguistics department told a press conference in Yerevan today. "The general funding for the departments of Indo-European and comparative linguistics reduced, and the chair of Armenian studies will also be closed," Jirayr Kocharian said.
According to him, different countries pay for the department, which represents their country and culture. "Director of the University said that he was ready to provide room and open the lectureship, with the annual budget of 48 000 euros, half of which will be paid by the university," he said, adding that they expect the Armenian side to provide the rest of financing.
"If we do not have our own chair, we lose not only the scientific center, but also the presence and prestige of Armenia in Germany," the lecturer "Freie Universitat Berlin" said, adding that the Azeris are already preparing their chair.