Armenian Americans Protest Prime Minister Pashinyan’s Visit to Washington, DC

Armenian Americans gathered in protest as Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan visited the U.S. capital. Many believe his visit was an attempt to improve his public image after making controversial comments about the Armenian diaspora and questioning the Armenian Genocide.

A group of young Armenian Americans organized a demonstration outside the Armenian Embassy in Washington, DC. Protesters held signs with messages such as “Hostages Abandoned” and “Artsakh Betrayed.” These slogans reflected their anger over Pashinyan’s policies, which they argue have put Armenia’s security at risk and failed to protect the people of Artsakh.

The Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Washington DC “Sebouh” Gomideh released a statement addressing the Armenian American community. The statement criticized Pashinyan’s visit, saying, “He 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.”

Vartkaes Pamboukian, Chairman of the Armenian Youth Federation DC “Ani” Chapter, also spoke out. He said, “Everything we as diaspora fight for—whether it’s the recognition of and justice for 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.”

The protests show the increasing frustration within the Armenian diaspora, especially among young activists. Many feel that Pashinyan’s leadership has betrayed Armenia’s national interests. As he met with U.S. officials and members of the Armenian American community, his critics made sure their voices were heard. They want to remind the world of their concerns about Armenia’s future and the struggles of the Armenian people.

Pashinyan’s visit has once again revealed the deep divisions within the Armenian community. While some support his efforts to rebuild Armenia’s relations with other countries, many others see his policies as dangerous. The protests in Washington, DC, serve as a powerful statement from the Armenian diaspora. They refuse to remain silent and will continue to fight for what they believe is best for Armenia and Artsakh.

As Pashinyan moves forward with his diplomatic meetings in the U.S., the message from these protests is clear: Armenian Americans are watching, and they demand accountability.