The Minister of Education and Science, Arayik Harutyunyan, was speaking about Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s statement that university directors who close their doors to students have no place in Armenia at the National Academy of Sciences. He said, “The responses in the media made it obvious as far as whom this statement was in reference to.” Harutyunyan emphasized that the Board of Trustees is the one to resolve such issues, and the Minister of Education and Science does not have the authority to remove a university director.
Regarding the observation that the YSU Board of Trustees extraordinary session was a confirmation that university director Aram Simonyan was victorious and would not be removed, Arayik Harutyunyan said, “I think that, due to the level of degradation at the university, the Board of Trustees needs to continue discussions.”
Harutyunyan was asked if he, as the minister, believes that Aram Simonyan should continue holding his position. “I have already voiced my opinion on these events and I have nothing else to add. There are serious problems associated with his authority,” the minister said.
When asked what he is referring to when he says “serious problems,” Harutyunyan said, “The current state of YSU. The university has regressed.”
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He also referenced the 100th anniversary of the university’s founding. The minister said that he is an alumnus of YSU, and he will do everything possible to make sure the anniversary is celebrated sufficiently.
Gohar Hakobyan
