The Armenian authorities’ intention to initiate a student exchange program between Armenian and Turkish students raises serious concerns.

Given Turkey’s continued denial of the Armenian Genocide, as well as its support for Azerbaijan’s aggressive policies against Armenia and Artsakh, the Armenian authorities have an obligation to clearly present the program’s objectives, conditions, and expected outcomes.

We are not opposed to dialogue between peoples or academic cooperation. However, such initiatives must be based on reciprocity, equality, transparency, and the protection of national interests. Armenian youth must not be turned into instruments of foreign policy propaganda.

We demand that the Armenian authorities:

1. Publish the full details of the program and the conditions governing its implementation.
2. Disclose the obligations of the Turkish side and the expected benefits for Armenia.
3. Rule out any form of cooperation that could contribute to diminishing the significance of the Armenian Genocide, distorting historical memory, or subordinating national interests.

The ARF Nikol Aghbalian Student Association opposes any attempt to impose dialogue at the expense of national dignity and demands that the authorities explain to the public how this initiative will serve the interests of the Republic of Armenia.

Our history is not up for negotiation. Neither is our national dignity.

ARF Nikol Aghbalian Student Association