YEREVAN, DECEMBER 1, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Armenia Armen Ashotyan spoke during the meeting with journalists on December 1 about the statement released on the previous day by the staff of the Human Rights Defender on Yerevan special school N 16.

As “Armenpress” was informed by Public Relations and Information Department of Armenia Education and Science Ministry, Minister, particularly, said:

“I greatly supported the ombudsman, when he was just elected and wanted to become a person of public interest. I am sorry that PR starts to overcome contents in his activities. If the existence of schools in need is a new discovery to the ombudsman, I am sorry for that, as he, being a citizen of the Republic of Armenia, had to know about it from the beginning. You must not be an ombudsman for knowing there are problems in schools.  And shortcoming in terms of professionalism was also obvious. Of course, the school is under the supervision of the Ministry and we know those problems without his show.  Probably he has some complexes after latest National Assembly discussions but the Ministry of Education and Science is not the sphere where he can restore his ruined reputation. If he were to regard it from professional point of view and understand that there is a responsibility between state agencies, then he would have sent the alert to another agency.  Generally, the Government is responsible for   buildings and structures, but as an agency - Ministry of Urban Development. I must note that today over 400 schools need restoration, so this can become a topic of press releases or soap opera for the staff of ombudsman every day. ”

Ombudsman alerted on November 30 that Yerevan special school N 16 of Armenia Education and Science Ministry is in extremely bad condition where 208 (80 spend night there) pupils with  serious health problems and visual impairment study.