Armenia’s Acting Minister of Education and Science Levon Mkrtchyan has called on anti-government protest organizers “to refrain from attempts to demolish the educational process and from incorporating juveniles in political developments.”

Mkrtchyan is referring to the wave of protests that began in earnest on April 17 with the election of Serzh Sargsyan as prime minister.

University students and school pupils have staged school walk-outs in Yerevan and elsewhere in solidarity with the protesters.

Mkrtchyan writes:

“Esteemed parents, the participation of school-aged children in public events can create a number of various dangerous situations, from the perspective of their safety and health. Thus, I ask that you see to it that your children regularly attend class, stay informed of their whereabouts, and attempts to get them involved in outside actions.”

“Dear pupils, you are the future of the country, and your safety and health are most precious and important for it. Your civic self-awareness and responsibility, as well your concern for tomorrow, demand that you not take steps that can endanger your safety and cause anxiety for your parents and teachers.”