My speech at the Diaspora Mobilization Conference in Paris, April 11-12, 2026 By Harut Sassounian
By Harut Sassounian
Diaspora Armenians often proudly say, “Azerbaijan has oil, Georgia has a sea, and Armenia has a Diaspora.”
Unfortunately, until now, the potential of the Diaspora has not been fully utilized. Many measure the support of the Diaspora only in material terms, and for this reason some call the Diaspora a “cash cow.”
In 1997, the Armenian government approved the law on dual citizenship, an important step towards strengthening Diaspora-Armenia relations. Unfortunately, the government did not encourage Diaspora Armenians to become dual citizens of Armenia.
In 2008, President Serzh Sargsyan established the Ministry of Diaspora. I proudly served on the Board of the Ministry for ten years, from the day it was established until its closure in 2018.
When Nikol Pashinyan came to power, he closed the Ministry of Diaspora and appointed Zareh Sinanyan as High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs. This was a hugely unsuccessful appointment, as Sinanyan destroyed the existing bridges between Armenia and the Diaspora.
Sinanyan ignored traditional Armenian organizations and parties and replaced them with individuals who have no influence in their communities but are supporters of Pashinyan.
Sinanyan wastes his time praising the Prime Minister and even suggesting that Arabs immigrate to Armenia, something that has nothing to do with Diaspora Armenians.
At the 2024 Diaspora-Armenia conference, Pashinyan surprisingly dared to tell the present Diaspora Armenians: “We do not need your humanitarian aid.”
These words caused deep offense, because he not only does not encourage the Diaspora, but also openly refuses their support.
During his eight years in office, Pashinyan has become a great disaster for Diaspora-Armenia relations.
He said in Istanbul that the Prime Minister of Armenia is not responsible for all Armenians around the world. “Don’t rely on me. Diaspora Armenians should solve their problems in their communities.”
And this week, Pashinyan declared, “There are some offices, groups, clubs in the Diaspora who claim to speak on behalf of the Diaspora. These people are not the Diaspora at all, they are no longer the overwhelming majority in the Diaspora, they are marginal organizations. And the Armenian government will have less to do with these organizations in general and will ultimately have nothing to do with them at all.” This approach completely undermines pan-Armenian unity.
In addition, Pashinyan has taken steps that belittle our national sanctities:
— Criticized Mount Ararat because it is outside the borders of Armenia.
— Criticized the lion on the coat of arms, not understanding that the lion is a symbol of courage.
— Criticized the national anthem.
— Gave up Artsakh, despite his 2018 statement that “Artsakh is Armenia and that’s it.”
— Ceded more than 200 sq. km. of Armenian territory to Azerbaijan.
— Did nothing to release the Artsakh leaders imprisoned in Baku.
— Considers the Artsakh issue closed and calls Artsakh Armenians “escapees.”
— Harshly criticizes the Armenian Apostolic Church and imprisons its clergy.
— Questions the veracity of the Armenian Genocide.
— Renames “Armenian History” textbooks “History of Armenia.”
— During his visits, he carries a map of “real Armenia” on his lapel, consigning historical Armenia to oblivion.
— Has compiled a blacklist for Diaspora Armenians who are banned from entering Armenia. My name is on that list. Armenia is not Pashinyan’s personal home to decide who can enter Armenia and who cannot.
Last week, Pashinyan’s Civil Contract party announced a new program to further divide the Diaspora. I quote: “Organize a conference of state-centered organizations of the Diaspora with the aim of adopting a concept of Armenia-Diaspora cooperation in peace and forming mechanisms for its implementation.”
With such steps, Pashinyan is concealing our national identity, history, and millennial heritage. The concessions he has made violate the laws and constitution of Armenia.
If Pashinyan remains at the head of government after the June 7 elections, the very existence of Armenia will be endangered.
Finally, I would like to present my proposal to unite the Diaspora in one sentence: “With the vision of uniting millions of our people in the Diaspora into one unified structure, I am trying to create a Diaspora Armenian Parliament with representatives elected by Diaspora Armenians.”
