Statement: It is prohibited to create an artificial rift between Armenians in Armenia and Armenians living outside Armenia

ArmInfo. Armenian public figures from Javakhk have published an open letter in response to Nikol Pashinyan's statements that the stronger the Diaspora, the weaker Armenia.

The letter, in particular, notes: "We, Armenian public figures from Javakhk, have received with deep indignation the statement of the head of the RA government that the stronger the Armenian Diaspora, the weaker Armenia, as well as Nikol Pashinyan's assertion that the Diaspora has provided assistance to Armenia mainly in the form of 'torn and old clothes.' We consider such statements insulting, humiliating, and unfair to the Armenian Diaspora, including the Armenians of Javakhk, since the Armenians living in Javakhk have always lived and continue to live with all the processes taking place in Armenia. And the Republic of Armenia has never been a foreign state or an abstract concept for us; "It has always been and remains the homeland of all Armenians. For decades, the Armenians of Javakhk have provided significant material and moral support to the Republic of Armenia and Artsakh. This was especially evident during the most difficult and tragic periods of our shared history, during the devastating Spitak earthquake and at all stages of Artsakh's struggle for existence. It should be noted that hundreds of young Armenians from Javakhk voluntarily went to the front, and about 230 of our compatriots did not return from the battlefield, giving their lives for the Republic of Armenia and Artsakh," the letter says.

The document also indicates a willingness to provide documents and lists confirming the assistance provided. However, even these reflect only a small part of the total assistance, since the volume of assistance during the period of independence is measured in millions. "And in these documents you will not find confirmation of your assertion that the Armenians from Javakhk sent "torn" or "old" clothes to Armenia. Clothing as the primary form of aid. After all this, how can we speak of the Diaspora as a party that only donated old or unwanted clothing to Armenia? We are not claiming that the entire Diaspora has always acted uniformly in all matters. However, such a generalization of the long-standing contribution of millions of Diaspora Armenians is disrespectful to those who, in the most difficult moments, not only provided material assistance but also gave the most precious thing—their lives. It is even more painful to hear such words today, when the Armenian Diaspora has historically been one of the most important links between Armenians worldwide and their historical homeland. During the presidencies of Levon Ter-Petrosyan, Robert Kocharyan, and Serzh Sargsyan, the Armenian Diaspora perceived the leadership of the Republic of Armenia as the leadership of Armenians living in the Republic of Armenia and abroad, the entire Armenian nation, regardless of political differences. If you do not consider yourself an authority among a significant portion of the Armenian Diaspora today, this is a question you have the right to resolve for yourself. However, this does not give you the right to pit Armenia against the Diaspora and create an artificial rift between Armenians in Armenia and Armenians living outside of Armenia. Armenia and the Diaspora are not opposing sides. We are parts of one people. We are united by a common history, culture, memory, language, national dignity, and responsibility to future generations. Of particular concern is the impression created by your recent statements among many representatives of the Diaspora that the relations between the Armenian leadership and the Diaspora are viewed not as a natural national unity, but as purely official political ties. We want to clearly state: Armenia has been, is, and always will be the historical homeland of all Armenians. Artsakh has been, is, and will forever remain the axis of the Armenian national struggle and an integral part of its dignity. No political statement can erase the memory of those who gave their lives for the Republic of Armenia and Artsakh. No political situation or temporary political interests should become a reason for dividing the Armenian people. The secular leadership of the Republic of Armenia, regardless of its political power and position, should not divide Armenians, but should unite them. In connection with the above, we ask and demand that you publicly clarify your words, acknowledge the incorrect and offensive nature of such generalizations regarding the Armenian Diaspora, and apologize to the Armenian Diaspora from the high tribune of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia for the humiliating and insulting presentation of the Diaspora's long-term assistance to Armenia, mainly as assistance in "torn and old clothes." We also call on the leadership of the Republic of Armenia to abandon such rhetoric, which contrasts Armenia with the Diaspora. The Diaspora is not an enemy of Armenia; the Armenians of Javakhk are not alien to the Republic of Armenia; they are an integral part of the Armenian people," the document emphasizes.