Armenian PM's message to diaspora: "Solve your problems yourselves"

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has firmly rejected the notion that he bears responsibility for Armenians living outside the Republic of Armenia, urging diaspora communities to address their own challenges independently.

Speaking at a meeting with representatives of the Armenian community in Istanbul, Pashinyan responded to the recurring claim that “the leader of Armenia is the leader of the entire diaspora”, Caliber.Az reports.

“But let’s figure out what this might mean in practice,” he said. “In your opinion, how should I fulfil my responsibility to the Armenian communities in Iran and Israel in practice? How is this possible? Or simultaneously to the Armenians of Russia and Ukraine? What should we do?”

According to Pashinyan, placing such expectations on Armenia risks dragging the country into geopolitical entanglements and existential dangers. “When we force Armenia into such an agenda, we are pushing Armenia into the abyss,” he warned.

He attributed the persistence of this mindset to the failure to see Armenia as a fully sovereign state with defined borders and national interests.

“The Prime Minister of Armenia is not responsible for all Armenians in the world,” Pashinyan emphasized. “Armenia does not have the legal rights, the resources, or the tools to take on such a role.”

Explaining the purpose of his diaspora visits, he added, “I hold these community meetings to say: people, do not rely on me, solve your problems yourselves in your communities.”

By Tamilla Hasanova