Students and Professors of Artsakh's Main University Write Letter in Russian to the National Assembly, Rector Claims Unaware

“I am not aware of any appeal. This was stated by Armen Sargsyan, the rector of Artsakh State University, in a conversation with Tert.am, referring to the appeal made in Russian by students and professors of the university to the members of the Artsakh National Assembly, requesting that Russian be granted a higher status.

“There has been no discussion within the university about giving Russian a higher status. I do not have such information,” he said.

Regarding the initiative to amend the ‘Language Law’ to grant Russian official status, he noted: “Due to the political situation, such a project has been presented to the National Assembly; we are expecting extensive discussions in the near future. We will invite the president of the National Assembly and members of the initiating group; the Department of Armenian Language has expressed its opinion to the National Assembly,” he said.

When asked if this was acceptable to him, the rector responded that he is the rector of the university and is obliged to present the university's position, and a statement will be made after the discussions conclude. “Depending on the basis, we are currently under martial law, and there is a politically tense situation; let’s leave all comments until after the discussions,” he stated.

The letter is presented below.