YEREVAN, JUNE 24, ARMENPRESS. The Ambassador of Russia to Armenia Ivan Volinkin wants to see Armenia stable. The Ambassador explained to the journalists his views on the protests over the electricity price hike on June 24, during the exhibition organized jointly with Armenpress. Volinkin is sure that the issue should be settled exceptionally at the legal level.   

“This question should be discussed round the table of negotiations, which was suggested by the President of the Republic of Armenia for more than once. We wish that there be stability in Armenia as the country can develop only in stable conditions,” the Ambassador highlighted.

The new electricity tariff was approved at the session of Armenia’s Public Services Regulatory Commission of Armenia on June 17.  The electricity price has increased by 6,93 AMD, reaching 48,78 AMD per 1 kWh. Electric Networks of Armenia CJSC had suggested increasing the electricity price by 17 AMD per 1 kWh. 

237 citizens protesting against electricity price hike were arrested from Baghramyan Avenue and the territory near the Freedom Square on June 23 for violating the public order. During long negotiations on June 23, the police of the Republic of Armenia suggested the protesters leaving the protest sight in order to restore the public order. It was also announced for a few times through a loudspeaker that the President of the Republic of Armenia is eager to listen to the protesters’ demands. However, the demonstrators turned down the offer to meet with the President.

As it is mentioned in the statement provided to Armenpress by the Public Relations and Information Department of the Police of the Republic of Armenia, the organizers of the march also turned down the admonishments and requests of the police. Guided by the laws of the Republic of Armenia, the police applied to the organizers of the protest with the demand to stop the illegal march but the organizers didn’t obey. The police warned that in case of disobeying the lawful requirements of the police or counteraction, the march will no longer be considered peaceful and will be stopped. The police suggested the protestors returned to Liberty Square and continued their protest action there but this suggestion yielded no result. The police used physical force and special measures towards the violators. The police dispersed the demonstration by using water cannon, and detained a number of activists and journalists protesting against the increase in the electricity price. The activists were later released and the protest currently continues in Baghramyan Avenue. The protestors demand to cancel the new electricity tariff.