US Armenian student groups criticize Nikol Pashinyan meeting

Armenian student organizations in the United States have issued sharp criticisms regarding a closed-door meeting held in New York between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and the All-Armenian Student Association (All-ASA).

Several student groups, including the Shant Student Association, Penn State ASA, Rutgers ASA, and the Armenian Student Association at Columbia University, stated that the event did not reflect their positions. Critics alleged that the meeting's location was not disclosed in advance, the participant list was strictly limited, and questions were pre-approved. The Shant Student Association expressed concern that students were being used as “decoration” to create an impression of community support for the government.

Gevorg Iskajyan, director of advocacy for the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), also accused the Armenian authorities of using the meeting for political purposes. Conversely, the Armenian government stated that during the meeting, Pashinyan presented the “Real Armenia” ideology, discussed relations with the Diaspora, and addressed education quality and professional involvement in the state system.