S. Zolyan: “Ashotyan is working against his party”
The sacked rector of Yerevan State Linguistic University (YSLU), Suren Zolyan, says Minister of Education and Science Armen Ashotyan is abusing his power.
During today's press conference, Zolyan reminded that he had been elected by the YSLU Council. The Government of Armenia later confirmed the decision and assigned the Ministry of Education and Science to sign a working contract with him.
"My personality does not matter. The decision of dismissal was to be taken by the YSLU Council, rather than by Ashotyan," said Mr Zolyan who was surprised to learn that he had been dismissed over some violations revealed in the result of checkups at the university.
"I have never infringed any law," he said.
When substantiating his decision, Minister Ashotyan said the YSLU Rector received a strict reprimand and was subjected to disciplinary penalty for not fulfilling his duties properly, namely for being absent from Armenia on March 19-23 without informing the minister. According to the minister, Zolyan has violated the demand of Armenia's Law ‘On State Non-commercial Organizations,' namely assigning the implementation of his duties to another person without a decision of an authorized state body. Zolyan received a warning from Ashotyan, followed by checking held at the university, during which some violations were registered.
Suren Zolyan cites the Labour Code, which says that an employment contract can be dissolved if the employer has at least two uncovered disciplinary penalties.
"As you see, this is not the case with me," he said.
Asked whether he sees any political reasons behind the difference, Mr Zolyan expressed uncertainty though he said the decision might affect the outcome of the next month's parliamentary elections.
"He [Armen Ashotyan] is acting against his party [Republican Party of Armenia], " stressed Zolyan.
He is going to dispute the minister's decision in court.
