Thursday, May 23 2019 23:25

ArmInfo. Rector of Yerevan State University (YSU) Aram Simonyan spoke about the reasons for his resignation which are presented in the official report of YSU.  The  statement specifically states:

"The tense situation that has  developed around the university is further intensified. The country's  top leadership accuses me of clinging to this seat, saying I want to  be in this position for a long time. This is ridiculous. I never  clung to this chair. I think during these months, I convinced you  that I am not one of the retreating, fearful, and not trying to be a  hero. I am ready to respond to all requests in a manly manner.

In a tense situation around the university, Simonyan accused  representatives of state bodies pursuing a policy in the field of  higher education and science. "I myself consider unacceptable the  policy pursued today by the Ministry of Education and Science of  Armenia, but not only in the field of education and science, but also  in relation to the university. I regret to see that the university  considered to be of national value, the 100th anniversary of which is  celebrated this year, receives such an attitude from the state , "he  said, noting that the university had not received an official message  in connection with the jubilee. "It is very difficult to celebrate an  anniversary in such conditions," he stressed.

Simonyan also noted that the criminal case initiated against the  university, with all the burden, in the first place, was placed on  his shoulders. <We will get out of this chain of difficulties. I, as  a university rector, generally acted correctly during these years.  There were omissions, but I tried to do everything that I could.  I  never lose heart and I will not lose heart. I will always fight in  the name of the university, the future of YSU, I will fight so that  everything will be fine in the university, "said the YSU Rector.   Taking into account the fact that the university's 100th anniversary  may not be celebrated at the state level, calling it a national  disgrace, Simonyan said he intends to submit a resignation letter to  the Board of Trustees of YSU tomorrow.

<I am already aware of the fact that the whole composition of the  Board of Trustees of the university will be changed in order to be  able to remove me from my post. I will not give them that pleasure.  Not being afraid of anything and considering the priority interests  of the university, I decided to resign. Within 7 days the Board of  Trustees will appoint the day of the election of the rector. And  before that there will be a person acting as head of the university.  I think the elections will be held soon, because this is also the  basis of the normal activities of the university. I continue to stay  at YSU, at the Institute for Armenian Studies, which I head, at the  Department of History of Armenia. I was a pro-rector for 5 years, 13  as a rector, etc.  Enough I'm at the university and I'm not going  anywhere. I think a new page will open for me. I want to thank you  all for working together for 13 years. Thank you>, he concluded.

It should be noted that about a year attempts were made to remove  Simonyan from his post, but the University Board of Trustees did not  dismiss the rector. After that, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan at a  government meeting, in the context of the resignation of the YSU  Rector, stated that there should be no rectors in the new Armenia who  closed the doors to students and did not let them go to rallies.  According to N. Pashinyan, this is a political decision that is not  subject to discussion.