Meeting with Nikol Pashinyan: We Urged Him to Resign as Prime Minister, Says Garegin II

His Holiness Garegin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, has delivered a message regarding the internal political situation in Armenia.

The message states:

“Dear children of our homeland and diaspora,

In the aftermath of the calamity of war, we are enduring days filled with pain, concern, and anxiety. The martyrdom of thousands of our heroic sons, the significant loss of historical Artsakh, the disastrous consequences of the war, and the heightened threat of external danger have stirred our souls, undermined solidarity, and disrupted national unity both in the homeland and in the diaspora. The severe circumstances and deep internal political crisis have posed new dangers to our homeland, making urgent the resolution of the serious challenges that have arisen.

In regard to the increasingly complex situation, we have held discussions with the episcopal class of our Apostolic Holy Church and members of the Supreme Spiritual Council. We have also met with the President of the Republic, the Speaker of the National Assembly, and various representatives of political and national organizations. There is a universal consensus that this critical situation must find its resolution exclusively through constitutional means, under conditions of national solidarity and prudence.

In light of the alarming developments and concerns in our homeland, we also met with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Mr. Nikol Pashinyan. Given the tensions arising from serious internal and external challenges facing the country and the lack of public trust in the Prime Minister, we paternalistically urged him to assume responsibility and resign from his position to prevent shocks to public life, potential confrontations, and tragic consequences.

In this regard, we also call upon the National Assembly to act with complete responsibility during this decisive moment for our homeland, to listen to the demands expressed by broad segments of the public, and, in consultation with political forces, elect a new Prime Minister and form a temporary government of national accord.

Only a government composed of professionals with public trust can address the issues facing our people, restore national solidarity and unity, and organize the indispensable parliamentary snap elections.

We convey our paternal message to our faithful people, authorities, and opposition political forces, urging them to refrain from expressions and actions that incite violence and sow hatred during these difficult days. Let us collectively make efforts and contributions to overcome the prevailing crisis.

In honor of our martyred heroes and to fulfill their sacred visions, let us unite and work for the bright future of our homeland, for the peaceful, secure, and prosperous life of our people.

May God protect and assist our people and homeland.”