Transparency International mourns loss of Amalia Kostanyan, Chair of TI Armenia

It is with immense shock and sadness that Transparency International (TI) has learned today of the sudden death of the Amalia Kostanyan, Chair of Transparency International Anti-corruption Center (TIAC), TI’s Armenian national chapter, earlier today, 30 September 2010.

A biologist by training, Kostanyan had run TIAC for a decade and was a highly visible and passionate advocate for the fight against corruption in Armenia and beyond. Kostanyan was born on 10 March 1960, in Yerevan. In 1981 she received a degree in biology from Yerevan State University. In 1990 she received PhD in biology. In 1996, Ms. Kostanyan received a master’s degree in political science and international relations from the American University of Armenia, and in 2000 she received a master’s degree in international development policy from Duke University in the United States.

In 2000, together with with like-minded friends, Kostanyan established the Center for Regional Development NGO, which later became the accredited chapter of Transparency International in Armenia in October 2001.

Valued for her kindness, perseverance and humour Amalia Kostanyan will be greatly missed by Transparency International. Our thoughts are with her family and the staff of TIAC.