Former Armenian ambassador's appointment to AUAF Board sparks criticism

The appointment of Lilit Makunts, Chief Adviser to the Armenian Prime Minister, to the American University of Armenia Fund (AUAF) Board of Trustees has prompted a wave of public criticism on social media.

Lilit Makunts, who formerly served as Armenia’s ambassador to the United States and culture minister, has joined the AUAF Board of Trustees as a government representative.

One social media user pointed to the presence of another official on the board, noting, "Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Zhanna Andreasyans has already been a member of this board for years... unfortunately this trend has been visible for about a year. They have issues with building construction and not only."

"She is the government’s appointed candidate. The university simply approved the choice," another said.

"Such a pity! It used to be a good university," a third added.

A more pointed criticism claimed that the ruling Civil Contract party "inserts itself everywhere and ruins everything".

"AUAF was founded by the Republic of Armenia and the American University of Armenia Corporation (AUAC), hence AUAF has two founders. The Board of Trustees is the highest governing and supervisory body of the Fund. The AUAF Board of Trustees consist of seven members. Five members are appointed by the AUAC and the other two by the Government of the RA. If a member’s position becomes vacant, the respective founder proposes a new member. The proposed candidacy of a new member of the Board of Trustees is approved by the Board by a 2/3 majority vote of the members of the Board. Dr. Makunts succeeds the late Dr. Yuri Sargsyan, AUA co-founder, Board member, and former rector of the National Polytechnic University of Armenia," AUA said in a statement.