Do Not Listen, Do Not Watch, Do Not Discuss: This Is Not Your Business - Anna Hakobyan

Anna Hakobyan, the wife of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, made a post on the occasion of International Children's Day.

“I appeal to all political figures in Armenia, those holding positions in the judicial, legislative, and executive branches, public figures, editors, journalists, and political activists’ children. Dear children, lovely little ones, beautiful, innocent beings, I apologize for causing pain to your small, pure souls. I apologize for casting a shadow over your bright and joyful childhood.

I want you to know that we are having a sincere adult conversation, one which we are obliged to carry through to the end. This conversation, due to circumstances, is taking place in the genre of 'battles without rules.' But do not believe anything. Do not take any word seriously. Do not listen, do not watch, do not discuss. This is not your business.

Know that each of your fathers and mothers love you deeply. They live for you, fight for you, and do everything to give you a good present and a better future. You are the most important, precious, and beloved thing for all fathers and mothers.

And again, I say, do not believe a single word you hear. All fathers are the best, and all mothers are the best. We, the adults, have only inherited a somewhat unhealthy environment filled with falsehoods, and no one is to blame for that. But we would be guilty of a great sin if we pass the same down to you. We are obliged to raise all those heavy and complicated issues that have been deeply buried, to talk about them, and to resolve them. We are obliged to clean our environment and leave you not only a prosperous state but also a healthy and cultured community.

And it’s okay if we adults argue a bit, if we swear at each other. We are grown-ups; we can handle it. But do not believe a single word, and do not take things seriously. Don’t listen anymore—read books, watch cartoons and movies, play with each other in the yard, play football and other games. Learn a lot; learn well. Read a lot. Happiness is in knowledge. All secrets and victories are in knowledge.

Dear little ones, happy holiday, and once again, I apologize.”