"Get Out of Armenia!": Yerevan Protesters Lash Out at Belarus Embassy Following Lukashenko's Threats on Armenia

Tensions between Armenia and Belarus have escalated sharply following controversial remarks made by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. His recent statement questioning Armenia's global importance has sparked widespread outrage in Armenia, leading to a protest and strong calls for diplomatic action.

Today, members and supporters of the "For the Republic" party gathered in front of the Belarusian Embassy in Armenia’s capital, Yerevan. The protest was a direct response to Lukashenko's remarks, which many Armenians found deeply insulting. Notable figures such as Arman Babajanyan and Ruben Mehrabyan were seen in the protest video.

The protesters expressed their anger by throwing eggs, potatoes, and tomatoes at the embassy walls, while shouting "Вон из Армения!" (which translates to "Get out of Armenia!").

Their actions were a clear expression of the frustration and indignation felt by many Armenians, who see Lukashenko's comments as a disrespectful dismissal of their nation’s significance and sovereignty.

The protest was triggered by an interview Lukashenko gave to the Russian TV channel Rossiya. In the interview, Lukashenko remarked, "Who needs Armenians besides us? No one." This statement was perceived by many Armenians as not only dismissive but also as an affront to Armenia's independence and its ability to stand on its own in the international community.

Lukashenko's words have been widely criticized in Armenia, with many viewing them as an example of Belarus undermining Armenia's position and sovereignty. The incident shows growing tensions within the post-Soviet space, particularly between Armenia and Belarus, two countries that are both members of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).

In response to Lukashenko’s remarks and the ensuing protest, several Armenian political and civil society organizations have issued a joint statement demanding decisive action from the Armenian government. The organizations include the Free Citizen NGO, Hanrapetutyun Party, For The Republic Party, European Party of Armenia, Europe in Law Association NGO, and Journalists Club Asparez.

Their statement condemns Lukashenko’s "unacceptable statements" against Armenia and the Armenian people, describing them as part of a pattern of anti-Armenian sentiment. They also highlighted Belarus’s support for Azerbaijan during its conflict with Armenia, which they view as a hostile act by a fellow CSTO member state.

Given these grievances, the Consultative Platform of Democratic Forces of Armenia is demanding that the Armenian authorities:

1. Immediately sever diplomatic relations with Belarus until President Lukashenko is removed from office.

2. Declare the Ambassador of Belarus and all other members of the diplomatic staff of the Belarusian Embassy in Armenia as personae non gratae, giving them three days to leave Armenia.

3. Terminate all bilateral agreements with Belarus, including the agreement on visa-free travel for citizens.

4. Withdraw from the CSTO, the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), and the

Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), considering it impossible to be in the same military alliance and economic space with Belarus.

In response to the protest, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Belarus summoned Armenia's chargé d'affaires to express its displeasure over the incident. The Belarusian MFA described the protest, particularly the throwing of eggs, potatoes, and tomatoes at the embassy, as an act of "vandalism."

As of the publication of this story, the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet issued an official response to the protest or to Lukashenko's original remarks. Attempts by The Armenian Report to reach Ani Badalyan, the spokesperson for Armenia’s Foreign Ministry, for a comment have so far been unsuccessful.