Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan faced significant backlash following an argument with a refugee from Nagorno-Karabakh, labeling the displaced Armenians “runaways.” The incident, captured on video and widely circulated, occurred during Pashinyan’s campaign tour in Yerevan, where he distributes Armenia’s internationally recognized border pins. This campaign centers on the “Real Armenia” narrative, advocating for acceptance within current borders. The dispute began when Pashinyan requested a pin for a boy and his mother, who refused.
Armine Mosiyan, a refugee from Nagorno-Karabakh, countered that they possessed a “different map.” Initially, Pashinyan appeared to concede, but then repeated his insistence that her son would “live within this map,” objecting to conceptualizations of Armenia beyond its recognized borders. Mosiyan urged him to cease arguing, explaining their journey to a chess tournament, and their intention to leave upon seeing him. Pashinyan responded by accusing Mosiyan of contradicting past statements regarding border closures and accusations against him.
He questioned why they hadn’t remained in Nagorno-Karabakh, given billions spent to ensure their safety. Following Mosiyan’s request to lower his voice, Pashinyan angrily rebuked her, stating, “Don’t try to say, you runaways, don’t try to say that I gave away Karabakh.”
This rhetoric ignited public outrage, with critics accusing Pashinyan of continuing harmful language towards Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians. The Human Rights Defenders of Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia condemned his remarks as “hate speech.” Pashinyan initially denied using the term “runaways” during a press briefing, later apologizing for his “emotions.” He acknowledged a “big flaw” in his emotional response, highlighting his inability to address events of 2023 without feeling strong emotions.
With the final exodus of the population from Nagorno-Karabakh complete, many are reflecting on their displacement.
Topics: #pashinyan #nagorno #karabakh
