Yerevan, 9 December 2011 - Transparency International Anti-corruption Center (TIAC) and Open Society Foundations - Armenia (OSF-Armenia) marked the International Anti-corruption Day by a ceremony held at Golden Tulip Hotel Yerevan to present the first ever Amalia Kostanyan award to a public figure of principle and courage in recognition of his significant contribution to the development of civil society. The event brought together representatives of civil society, international organizations, diplomatic missions, state institution, her friends and colleagues to pay tribute to Amalia's living memory and to honor the award winner.

It was the joint initiative of TIAC and OSF-Armenia to establish an annual award after one of the most vivid characters of the Armenian society - Amalia Kostanyan who founded Transparency International Anti-corruption Center NGO in 2000, which was later granted the status of an accredited National Chapter of Transparency International global coalition against corruption and was its Chair for a decade before her sudden death in 2010. She also served as Board member and the Board Chair of the Open Society Foundations-Armenia from 2008 to 2010. In 2011 Amalia was the U.S. Embassy of Armenia's posthumous Woman of Courage Award winner.

David Amiryan, Deputy Director of OSF-Armenia and Varuzhan Hoktanyan, TIAC Executive Director shared their fond memories about Amalia and her role in decision making and meeting challenges. Her opinion and advice were vital for all who knew her.

Her thoughts are important even for those who did not have a pleasure and an opportunity of knowing her - Anne Koch, Transparency International's Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia and David Stephenson, Political Officer of US Embassy in Armenia who will also keep her memory and legacy alive. Anna Koch quoted from Amalia's interview, a quote which is incredibly helpful and inspiring today. "Corruption, among other factors, is currently hindering political stability, democratic development and economic growth in Armenia. It also deteriorates the moral fabric of the Armenian society."

In the opinion of Avetik Ishkhanyan, the Chairman of Armenian Helsinki Committee Human Rights NGO Amalia was the salt of society, who made the society tasty, interesting and lively. Her death was a great loss for the Armenian society.

Referring to the staff of TIAC, Amalia's brother Hovhannes noted, "I wish Amalia Kostanyan's work to be continued by you and I wish a day to come for us not to need your work any more and to have a legitimate and incorruptible society."

Varuzhan Hoktanyan and David Amiryan spoke about nomination criteria and the award nominee. It was presented to human rights advocate Artak Zeynalyan. To his mind the award was transparent and heavy and keeping it was still heavier. "However I will take the burden and will carry it with due responsibility," said Zeynalyan in his remarks of gratitude.