Ashotyan invited simply as a guest
Armenia's Minister of Education and Science Armen Ashotyan will not participate in a conference organized by "We are against the Re-Opening of Foreign-Languages Schools" initiative group.
According to a Ministry release, Ashotyan who earlier confirmed the invitation canceled it when notified that he was invited as a guest, and not a participant.
"Ashotyan expressed readiness to participate in the conference, to share opinions with the participants and express government's stand on the subject matter taking into consideration the fact that the executive body had organized already public discussions on the theme.
The initiative group pointed to fact that it was aware of government's approach towards the issue and did not need any repetition of the state approach thus excluding alternative opinions. We are convinced that the groups' stance excludes the chances for a constructive dialogue and healthy discussions on the issue and aims to present the participants' disapproval unilaterally. The Ministry of Education and Science reiterates its readiness to participate in all discussions on educational and scientific issues," reads the Ministry's statement.
