Former FM Oskanian Calls for Pashinyan’s Resignation Amid Regional Turmoil
YEREVAN, Armenia, March 30 – Former Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian has issued a strong call for Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation by June 7th, arguing that Pashinyan is ill-equipped to navigate Armenia through the current complex regional landscape. Oskanian’s statement, posted on his Facebook page yesterday, March 29th, highlights a series of failures and challenges that he attributes to the current leadership.
Oskanian’s critique centers on several key areas, beginning with Pashinyan’s handling of negotiations with Azerbaijan, which he claims led to war and the subsequent loss of Nagorno-Karabakh. He also points to the ongoing disruption of Armenia’s territorial integrity, with Azerbaijan continuing to occupy various parts of the country, and the erosion of the Constitution, the delegitimization of the judiciary, and consistent restrictions on civil rights and freedom of speech.
The former Foreign Minister further asserts that Pashinyan’s ‘achievements’ include a deep societal split, the transformation of the state system into a farce, budget abuse, pressure on the Armenian Apostolic Church, and the growing alienation of the diaspora. These factors, according to Oskanian, have collectively led to a decline in Armenia’s international reputation.
Regional Instability as a Decisive Factor
A significant part of Oskanian’s argument for Pashinyan’s immediate departure is the escalating conflict in Iran, an immediate neighbor of Armenia, and the broader Middle East. He emphasizes that regardless of the outcome of this war, the region will be irrevocably changed by June 8th, as will the attitudes and expectations of involved players towards the countries in the region.
“Very difficult times await us,” Oskanian stated, adding that Pashinyan has clearly demonstrated his inability to lead Armenia even during more stable and peaceful times, such as from 2018 to 2020. He claims that Pashinyan has shown profound ignorance and incompetence in almost all areas over the past eight years.
A History of Misjudgment and a Call for Change
Oskanian reflects on past political decisions, stating, “We made a mistake in 2018 by entrusting the leadership of the country to him. We made a second mistake by re-electing him in 2021. We do not have the right to make a third mistake.”
His message concludes with an unequivocal demand: “On June 7th, Pashinyan must leave. The job of leading Armenia, in a situation created by his own reasons and in a complex region beyond his control, is not suited for him. As experience has shown, it never has been.”
The political landscape in Armenia remains tense as the country grapples with internal dissent and external pressures. Oskanian’s statement adds a significant voice to the growing calls for a change in leadership, highlighting the perceived urgency of the situation given the volatile regional dynamics.
Source: Vartan Oskanian’s Facebook page
