Ashotyan: Russia didn’t use quota on opening Russian schools

It is wrong to fit Armenian-Russian strategic partnership relations into the formula of public mutual accusations like “you didn’t do this or that”, Armenian Minister of Education and Science Armen Ashotyan said at a press conference when commenting on the remarks that Director General of Russia Today agency Dmitry Kiselev made at the meeting of the Armenian-Russian Parliamentary Club.

We would remind you that Kiselev declared yesterday that Russian schools should open in Armenia in order to increase the country’s security. “Only one country – Russia guarantees Armenia’s security within the framework of Collective Security Treaty Organization, whereas there are almost no Russian schools in Armenia, which endangers first of all Armenia’s security,” he said.

Ashotyan said that the optimal conditions for the development of Russian language are created in Armenia. Russian is taught from the second grade so there is no need to amend the law on language.

The education minister reminded those present that in Armenia, an international educational program is permitted at high school level. Under the law, 4 Russian schools, 4 French ones, or 4 other foreign schools can operate in Armenia. Unlike other international partners, Russia did not use its quota. Two English language schools already opened in Armenia.