Armenian-Russian University Rector Discusses Resignation and Possible Candidacy

Former Prime Minister and Rector of the Russian-Armenian University, Armen Darbinyan, shares his insights on the resignation:

“Clarification regarding my resignation. Following yesterday's publication, I have been inundated with letters requesting me to reconsider my resignation and urging me to continue the fight. My dear ones, thank you for such trust, love, and respect. I still have much work to do to justify such treatment. I would like to provide some clarification about the selection and appointment procedure for the rector of the Armenian-Russian University, so that everything becomes clear.

The university has two equal founders, two states, and is inherently an Intergovernmental institution, whose operations are regulated by an Intergovernmental agreement. At my insistence, it was stipulated that the rector be elected by the University General Assembly (which is the highest governing body). However, the founders have established a requirement for the prior agreement of candidates (which is fair; they are founders and have the right to withhold agreement). Subsequently, the candidate elected by the General Assembly is confirmed in the position of rector by a joint order of the founders for a term of five years.

Our last elections took place in April 2018, and the next elections are in 2023. The representative of the Russian founder is the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. Minister Falkov has shown astonishing indifference towards the university throughout his entire tenure (for over two years), repeatedly rejecting my proposals to meet and discuss university issues. As for me, a complaint is currently being prepared for the Prosecutor's Office of the Russian Federation regarding his criminal inaction and the failure to fulfill the founder's obligations (this is what they should be busy with, rather than sending falsified documents to Armenia). Naturally, in such a situation, I do not intend to present my candidacy in the upcoming rector elections. GOD FORWARD!”