Pashinyan visits Washington, DC, met with protests

Armenian youth outline Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan’s failed policies while protesting his Washington D.C. visit this week 

WASHINGTON—Armenian Americans gathered in protest as Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan visited Washington, D.C., in what many see as an attempt to rehabilitate his image following his controversial remarks on the Armenian diaspora and his questioning of the Armenian Genocide.

A demonstration organized by young Armenian Americans took place in front of the Armenian Embassy, where protesters held signs reading “Hostages Abandoned” and “Artsakh Betrayed,” condemning Pashinyan’s policies and actions, which they argue have endangered Armenia’s sovereignty and abandoned Artsakh and its people.

“[Pashinyan] has chosen to come to Washington, our hometown, where he expects us to honor him, to act as his stage props, and to normalize his shameful surrender of Armenian lives and land, democracy and dignity. Now, it’s our turn to make a choice. To refuse to be used. To stand up for actual Armenian values — our core national interests and aspirations,” noted the ARF Washington D.C. “Sebouh” Gomideh, in a statement issued to Armenian-American community members and allies on the eve of Pashinyan’s visit to the U.S. Capitol.

Vartkaes Pamboukian, chairman of the Armenian Youth Federation D.C. “Ani” Chapter, echoed this sentiment: “Everything we as diaspora fight for — whether it’s the recognition of the Artsakh and Armenian genocides or even the fabric of Armenian identity — Pashinyan threatens. We won’t be silenced or sidelined when he comes to our community.”

AYF Eastern U.S. Central Executive member Nayiri Shahnazarian concurred: “Pashinyan’s policies have led to the genocide of Artsakh and the occupation of our lands. If we continue down his path, we will lose Armenia, as well. Our message to the prime minister is that the homeland does not belong to him to sell or surrender. And our message to the people of Armenia and Artsakh is that we stand with you in the fight for Armenian survival.”

The protests highlight the growing discontent within the Armenian diaspora, particularly among young activists who view Pashinyan’s leadership as a betrayal of Armenian national interests. As he seeks to engage with U.S. officials and the Armenian-American community, his critics remain steadfast in ensuring that their voices — and the grievances of a betrayed nation — are heard.

AYF DC "Ani" Chapter

AYF DC "Ani" Chapter

Founded in 1942, the AYF Washington DC “Ani” and “Sevan” chapters work to unite Armenian youth and organize activities in the DC, Maryland and Virginia area. The chapter has a Senior ("Ani") and Junior ("Sevan") chapter. The Washington DC “Ani” chapter sets out to achieve its goals and objectives throughout the year and hosts events like joint meetings between DMV juniors and juniors in Armenia, protests and other forms of political activism, an annual chapter anniversary dinner and fundraisers to benefit the homeland. The AYF-YOARF's five pillars (athletic, cultural educational, political, social) guide the chapter and help keep its membership active and at the forefront of the Armenian cause at all times.

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