Armenian News... A Topalian... Protest over electricity prices!
THOUSANDS PROTEST ELECTRICITY PRICES HIKE IN ARMENIA
Associated Press International
June 22, 2015 Monday
YEREVAN, Armenia (AP) - Several thousand people are protesting in
the Armenian capital against a hike in electricity prices.
About 5,000 demonstrators marched Monday to the presidential
headquarters, but were stopped by phalanxes of riot police backed by
water cannons.
The protesters then sat on the road, blocking traffic. Police warned
they would disperse the rally.
The demonstrators are demanding that the government reconsider its
decision to increase electricity prices for households by 17-22
percent.
The landlocked country's economy is hobbled by the longstanding
closure of its borders with Azerbaijan and Turkey over the conflict
in Nagorno-Karabakh.
SOCIAL PROTESTS IN YEREVAN
25.06.15
25.06.15
By SARA KHOJOYAN
ArmeniaNow reporter
As sit-in protests continue in Yerevan's Baghramyan Avenue, President
Serzh Sargsyan flew to Brussels on Wednesday evening to attend a
meeting of European politicians while international institutions
continue to monitor the situation closely and call on the country's
authorities to avoid confrontation.
"Armenia, like all OSCE participating States, has committed itself
to protect and promote the fundamental freedom of peaceful assembly,
and must fully respect the rights of the protesters in Yerevan to
exercise this freedom," Michael Georg Link, Director of the OSCE
Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), said in
a statement released late Wednesday.
The ODIHR director also pointed to the reports of the actions of the
police including the use of water cannons against and the arrest of
hundreds of peaceful protesters underlining that it "raises serious
concerns".
Armenia officially considered the international community's calls as
an "interest to strengthen the democracy" in the country, as Foreign
Minister Edward Nalbandian stated June 23. Armenia's authorities have
not complied, however, with the demand of cancelling the decision on
the rise in electricity prices by 16 percent effective August 1.
Armenia's Western partners, which are concerned over the possibility
of another escalation between authorities and protesting citizens,
call for impartial, thorough and prompt investigations.
"The act of aggression against peaceful protesters by the Armenian
authorities shows a complete inability or unwillingness of the
authorities to interact with the society, as well as to protect
the rights of Armenian citizens," Steering Committee of the Eastern
Partnership Civil Society Forum said in a statement Wednesday.
"The pattern of brutal attacks on protesters contradicts all the
commitments that the Armenian authorities have undertaken in the
framework of its relations with the European Union," the Committee
added.
The Armenian police's use of force raised more anger and enhanced
the commitment of the protesters to continue their struggle.
"This situation can be settled only at a negotiating table, which
is what has been repeatedly proposed by Armenian President Serzh
Sargsyan," Russia's ambassador to Armenia, Ivan Volynkin. told
reporters on Wednesday.
He referred to two proposals of the Armenian leaders to meet with
the protesters, which they turned down, saying that their only demand
was that he just announces the cancellation of the decision.
Volynkin added: "We want to see a stable situation in Yerevan and
Armenia in general and are against any conflicts here. Armenia can
develop only in stable conditions."
ArmeniaNow reporter
As sit-in protests continue in Yerevan's Baghramyan Avenue, President
Serzh Sargsyan flew to Brussels on Wednesday evening to attend a
meeting of European politicians while international institutions
continue to monitor the situation closely and call on the country's
authorities to avoid confrontation.
"Armenia, like all OSCE participating States, has committed itself
to protect and promote the fundamental freedom of peaceful assembly,
and must fully respect the rights of the protesters in Yerevan to
exercise this freedom," Michael Georg Link, Director of the OSCE
Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), said in
a statement released late Wednesday.
The ODIHR director also pointed to the reports of the actions of the
police including the use of water cannons against and the arrest of
hundreds of peaceful protesters underlining that it "raises serious
concerns".
Armenia officially considered the international community's calls as
an "interest to strengthen the democracy" in the country, as Foreign
Minister Edward Nalbandian stated June 23. Armenia's authorities have
not complied, however, with the demand of cancelling the decision on
the rise in electricity prices by 16 percent effective August 1.
Armenia's Western partners, which are concerned over the possibility
of another escalation between authorities and protesting citizens,
call for impartial, thorough and prompt investigations.
"The act of aggression against peaceful protesters by the Armenian
authorities shows a complete inability or unwillingness of the
authorities to interact with the society, as well as to protect
the rights of Armenian citizens," Steering Committee of the Eastern
Partnership Civil Society Forum said in a statement Wednesday.
"The pattern of brutal attacks on protesters contradicts all the
commitments that the Armenian authorities have undertaken in the
framework of its relations with the European Union," the Committee
added.
The Armenian police's use of force raised more anger and enhanced
the commitment of the protesters to continue their struggle.
"This situation can be settled only at a negotiating table, which
is what has been repeatedly proposed by Armenian President Serzh
Sargsyan," Russia's ambassador to Armenia, Ivan Volynkin. told
reporters on Wednesday.
He referred to two proposals of the Armenian leaders to meet with
the protesters, which they turned down, saying that their only demand
was that he just announces the cancellation of the decision.
Volynkin added: "We want to see a stable situation in Yerevan and
Armenia in general and are against any conflicts here. Armenia can
develop only in stable conditions."
See RT video in this report;
HOLDING GROUND: ELECTRIC YEREVAN PROTESTERS FIRM
IN BAGHRAMYAN AVENUE
25.06.15
Thousands of Armenians braved heavy showers and windy weather
conditions in Yerevan to continue their nonstop protest against rising
electricity prices in central Baghramyan Avenue.
On day 4 of the protests in the area sparked by the decision of state
regulators to raise prices of electric power in the cash-strapped
country activists of the pressure group called No To Plunder reaffirmed
their demand for President Serzh Sargsyan to scrap the ruling.
They also defied calls from Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan to unblock
the avenue where a number of state administration buildings, including
Sargsyan's office, are located.
Speakers at the event again urged the crowd consisting mostly of young
Armenians not to trust rumors and allegations about a "Western hand"
behind the protests.
The appeal came after some local and Russian media accused Electric
Yerevan protesters of being supported by U.S.-funded non-government
organizations.
During an earlier protest one of its leaders Vaghinak Shushanyan
emphasized that the Yerevan protests have no similarities with
Ukraine's 2014 Maidan rallies that led to the change of government
in Kyiv.
tert.am
UN HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS CALLS ON
25.06.15
Thousands of Armenians braved heavy showers and windy weather
conditions in Yerevan to continue their nonstop protest against rising
electricity prices in central Baghramyan Avenue.
On day 4 of the protests in the area sparked by the decision of state
regulators to raise prices of electric power in the cash-strapped
country activists of the pressure group called No To Plunder reaffirmed
their demand for President Serzh Sargsyan to scrap the ruling.
They also defied calls from Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan to unblock
the avenue where a number of state administration buildings, including
Sargsyan's office, are located.
Speakers at the event again urged the crowd consisting mostly of young
Armenians not to trust rumors and allegations about a "Western hand"
behind the protests.
The appeal came after some local and Russian media accused Electric
Yerevan protesters of being supported by U.S.-funded non-government
organizations.
During an earlier protest one of its leaders Vaghinak Shushanyan
emphasized that the Yerevan protests have no similarities with
Ukraine's 2014 Maidan rallies that led to the change of government
in Kyiv.
tert.am
UN HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS CALLS ON
ARMENIA'S AUTHORITIES, PROTESTERS TO REFRAIN FROM
VIOLENCE
We are concerned at credible reports of excessive use of force by
police officers, including against journalists, in their handling
of protests in Yerevan on 23 June, and call on the authorities to
investigate the incidents thoroughly and promptly.
As protests continue to take place in the country, the Government
must ensure that the policing of demonstrations strictly complies
with international human rights norms and standards, including the
UN Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials and the UN Basic
Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement.
We welcome the statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia,
expressing the Government's commitment "to democracy, fundamental
freedoms and protection of human rights in Armenia". We encourage
the Government to ensure that this commitment is translated in the
way it responds to these protests, and we encourage all parties to
engage in a constructive dialogue and to refrain from violence.
a1plus.am
YEREVAN PROTESTS AND RUSSIAN LIES
June 25,2015
The flaws in the journalistic ethics of the Russian media are not
a secret for anybody. But Russian media coverage of recent events
taking place in Armenia is simply ridiculous and unserious. We will
mention several items that draw special attention:
Comparisons with Maidan: Probably the strangest explanation of recent
events in Armenia is their comparison with the Ukrainian "Maidan". For
instance, the Russian "Rossiya 1" TV channel compared the Armenian
protests against hikes in electricity rates with Ukrainian and Georgian
movements. "The latest events taking place in Armenia remind of the
first stage of the Ukrainian coup", mentioned Igor Morozov.
Following the same logic, any protest in the world can be called
"Maidan". Protesters in Ukraine and Armenia have completely different
demands. The main justifications of such a comparison are the fact
of informing people through social networks and anti-Russian calls.
Actually informing people through social networks has been popular
for the last 5-7 years. Thus, this kind of opinions can't resist any
reasoned criticism.
Protesters attacked the police: According to the same "Rossiya
1", police used force against the protesters after they attacked
the police, and the most active attackers were detained. However,
the videos that show the use of water cannons clearly demonstrate
that none of the protestors used force against the police. Hence,
discussing this point is simply unnecessary.
Protesters were armed: "Rossiya 1" has made such statements using
terms like "radical", "attack on the police", "11 injured policemen",
"activists are armed with knives, kuckle dusters and metal batons",
etc. In reality, there are only civilians among injured people,
5 of which are still in intensive care units.
Protests were provoked by the US: Such statements are absolutely
ridiculous. The Russian company has eventually decided to raise the
tariffs for electricity as a result of its ineffective management.
Before making such "sensational" statements, a mass media should
first of all bring specific proofs. Â"Rossiya 24Â" TV channel went
so far as to claim that sitting next to each other and taking photos
of the police are a result of American trainings.
Protests are anti-Russian: Russian media that make such statements
seem to have a special intention to interpret events in Armenia
exclusively from the perspective of Armenia-Russia-West relations
and interests. Hence, Russian media are ready to invent a US-funded
conspiracy against Russia only for saving the reputation of one
corrupt Russian company. In fact, it is not surprising as the same
distortion of information happened in Permyakov's case in January.
Eventually we are left with the hope that the professionalism of
Russian media will improve with time and they will start to respect
the journalistic ethics and truth.
Anna Pambukhchyan,
"Union of Informed Citizens"
of protests in Yerevan on 23 June, and call on the authorities to
investigate the incidents thoroughly and promptly.
As protests continue to take place in the country, the Government
must ensure that the policing of demonstrations strictly complies
with international human rights norms and standards, including the
UN Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials and the UN Basic
Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement.
We welcome the statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia,
expressing the Government's commitment "to democracy, fundamental
freedoms and protection of human rights in Armenia". We encourage
the Government to ensure that this commitment is translated in the
way it responds to these protests, and we encourage all parties to
engage in a constructive dialogue and to refrain from violence.
a1plus.am
YEREVAN PROTESTS AND RUSSIAN LIES
June 25,2015
The flaws in the journalistic ethics of the Russian media are not
a secret for anybody. But Russian media coverage of recent events
taking place in Armenia is simply ridiculous and unserious. We will
mention several items that draw special attention:
Comparisons with Maidan: Probably the strangest explanation of recent
events in Armenia is their comparison with the Ukrainian "Maidan". For
instance, the Russian "Rossiya 1" TV channel compared the Armenian
protests against hikes in electricity rates with Ukrainian and Georgian
movements. "The latest events taking place in Armenia remind of the
first stage of the Ukrainian coup", mentioned Igor Morozov.
Following the same logic, any protest in the world can be called
"Maidan". Protesters in Ukraine and Armenia have completely different
demands. The main justifications of such a comparison are the fact
of informing people through social networks and anti-Russian calls.
Actually informing people through social networks has been popular
for the last 5-7 years. Thus, this kind of opinions can't resist any
reasoned criticism.
Protesters attacked the police: According to the same "Rossiya
1", police used force against the protesters after they attacked
the police, and the most active attackers were detained. However,
the videos that show the use of water cannons clearly demonstrate
that none of the protestors used force against the police. Hence,
discussing this point is simply unnecessary.
Protesters were armed: "Rossiya 1" has made such statements using
terms like "radical", "attack on the police", "11 injured policemen",
"activists are armed with knives, kuckle dusters and metal batons",
etc. In reality, there are only civilians among injured people,
5 of which are still in intensive care units.
Protests were provoked by the US: Such statements are absolutely
ridiculous. The Russian company has eventually decided to raise the
tariffs for electricity as a result of its ineffective management.
Before making such "sensational" statements, a mass media should
first of all bring specific proofs. Â"Rossiya 24Â" TV channel went
so far as to claim that sitting next to each other and taking photos
of the police are a result of American trainings.
Protests are anti-Russian: Russian media that make such statements
seem to have a special intention to interpret events in Armenia
exclusively from the perspective of Armenia-Russia-West relations
and interests. Hence, Russian media are ready to invent a US-funded
conspiracy against Russia only for saving the reputation of one
corrupt Russian company. In fact, it is not surprising as the same
distortion of information happened in Permyakov's case in January.
Eventually we are left with the hope that the professionalism of
Russian media will improve with time and they will start to respect
the journalistic ethics and truth.
Anna Pambukhchyan,
"Union of Informed Citizens"
tert.am
EXPERTS ON YEREVAN PROTESTS: SOCIAL STRUGGLE WITH
POLITICAL HUES
25.06.15
25.06.15
According to Russian and Ukrainian mass media, the protests against
rising electricity prices in Armenia are acquiring not only political,
but also geopolitical importance, which may have unpredictable
consequences, political analyst Hrant Melik-Shahnazaryan told Tert.am.
"A number of media outlets are trying to cover the Yerevan protests
in a certain light. Specifically, Russian and Ukrainian mass media
are discrediting the protesting Armenian citizens. As a result, the
international community is inadequately responding to the Yerevan
protests, viewing them as being of not only political, but also
geopolitical importance," the expert said.
Such world media outlets as Associated Press, BBC, France-Press have
responded to the Yerevan protests.
Mr Melik-Shahnazaryan notes that his messages are a warning to
Armenia's society that it should not be exposed to external influence
or allow Russia and Ukraine to draw it into their conflict.
"For the struggle being waged on Yerevan streets to serve its purpose,
and for them to consistently deal with the problems raised by the
protesters," the expert said.
Becoming a tool for Ukrainian and Western propaganda poses a threat
of unpredictable consequences, Mr Melik-Shahnazaryan concluded.
Ara Papyan, Director of the Yerevan based analytical center Modus
Vivendi, also agrees that the campaign somewhat incurs the influence
of both foreign and domestic policies.
"Although ostensibly economic, this problem is, in essence, a political
one. Let us not forget that it is the result of a poor management
and corrupt administration, which stems from the political system,"
he said, referring to the transactions that led to the privatization
and sale of the Electric Networks of Armenia to the Russian side.
Commenting on the West's reaction, Papyan highlighted their specific
set of values which he said is expected to have its influence on
absolutely every corner of the world. He said their accentuation in
Armenia's case would be the call on people to control the government
expenditures.
The expert said he finds that the greatest disservice was done by
Yevgeny Bibin, the CEO of the Electric Networks of Armenia, whose
decision to seek higher tariffs for power eventually led to a public
rebellion (destabilizing the situation in Armenia).
Papyan said he finds that the problem's root cause is poor management
resulting from an awkwardly structured political system.
armradio.am
TURKISH RADICALS THREATENS TO START "HUNT FOR
rising electricity prices in Armenia are acquiring not only political,
but also geopolitical importance, which may have unpredictable
consequences, political analyst Hrant Melik-Shahnazaryan told Tert.am.
"A number of media outlets are trying to cover the Yerevan protests
in a certain light. Specifically, Russian and Ukrainian mass media
are discrediting the protesting Armenian citizens. As a result, the
international community is inadequately responding to the Yerevan
protests, viewing them as being of not only political, but also
geopolitical importance," the expert said.
Such world media outlets as Associated Press, BBC, France-Press have
responded to the Yerevan protests.
Mr Melik-Shahnazaryan notes that his messages are a warning to
Armenia's society that it should not be exposed to external influence
or allow Russia and Ukraine to draw it into their conflict.
"For the struggle being waged on Yerevan streets to serve its purpose,
and for them to consistently deal with the problems raised by the
protesters," the expert said.
Becoming a tool for Ukrainian and Western propaganda poses a threat
of unpredictable consequences, Mr Melik-Shahnazaryan concluded.
Ara Papyan, Director of the Yerevan based analytical center Modus
Vivendi, also agrees that the campaign somewhat incurs the influence
of both foreign and domestic policies.
"Although ostensibly economic, this problem is, in essence, a political
one. Let us not forget that it is the result of a poor management
and corrupt administration, which stems from the political system,"
he said, referring to the transactions that led to the privatization
and sale of the Electric Networks of Armenia to the Russian side.
Commenting on the West's reaction, Papyan highlighted their specific
set of values which he said is expected to have its influence on
absolutely every corner of the world. He said their accentuation in
Armenia's case would be the call on people to control the government
expenditures.
The expert said he finds that the greatest disservice was done by
Yevgeny Bibin, the CEO of the Electric Networks of Armenia, whose
decision to seek higher tariffs for power eventually led to a public
rebellion (destabilizing the situation in Armenia).
Papyan said he finds that the problem's root cause is poor management
resulting from an awkwardly structured political system.
armradio.am
TURKISH RADICALS THREATENS TO START "HUNT FOR
ARMENIANS" IN THE STREETS OF KARS
25 Jun 2015
Siranush Ghazanchyan
Head of the Kars branch of the "Ulku ocaklar" (Hearths of Ideal)
radical group of the Grey Wolves Tolga Adıguzel has voiced threats
towards Armenians of Kars after jazz pianist Tigran Hamasyan performed
a concert at the Ani Ruins, Ermenihaber.am reports, quoting Turkish
Radikal daily.
Speaking at a press conference, Adıguzel threatened Armenians, "who
feel so free in Turkey." He accused Armenians of the 'events of 1915'
and Khojalu and added: "What should we do now? Should we start a hunt
for Armenians in the streets of Kars?"
He also accused all Turkish journalists and officials, who 'support
Armenians launching activity in Turkey."
He urged Armenians "not to test the patience of Turks." He added that
"Turks, for example, cannot arrive in Armenia and freely organize an
event at a sacred site for Armenians." He threatened to take necessary
measures "if such things repeat."
Within the framework of the Luys i Luso program Tigran Hamasyan
performs pieces of Armenian music in 100 churches of Turkey, Armenia,
Georgia, Lebanon, France, Belgium, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Great
Britain, Germany, Luxemburg, the United States and Russia.
The program is a new interpretation of Armenian religious music from
the 5th to the 20th centuries, which will be released as a CD in
September 2015.
The program includes works by Mesrop Mashtots, Grigor Nakeratsi, Grigor
Pahlavuni, Nerses Shnorhali, Mkhitar Ayrivanetsi and Makar Yekmalyan.
25 Jun 2015
Siranush Ghazanchyan
Head of the Kars branch of the "Ulku ocaklar" (Hearths of Ideal)
radical group of the Grey Wolves Tolga Adıguzel has voiced threats
towards Armenians of Kars after jazz pianist Tigran Hamasyan performed
a concert at the Ani Ruins, Ermenihaber.am reports, quoting Turkish
Radikal daily.
Speaking at a press conference, Adıguzel threatened Armenians, "who
feel so free in Turkey." He accused Armenians of the 'events of 1915'
and Khojalu and added: "What should we do now? Should we start a hunt
for Armenians in the streets of Kars?"
He also accused all Turkish journalists and officials, who 'support
Armenians launching activity in Turkey."
He urged Armenians "not to test the patience of Turks." He added that
"Turks, for example, cannot arrive in Armenia and freely organize an
event at a sacred site for Armenians." He threatened to take necessary
measures "if such things repeat."
Within the framework of the Luys i Luso program Tigran Hamasyan
performs pieces of Armenian music in 100 churches of Turkey, Armenia,
Georgia, Lebanon, France, Belgium, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Great
Britain, Germany, Luxemburg, the United States and Russia.
The program is a new interpretation of Armenian religious music from
the 5th to the 20th centuries, which will be released as a CD in
September 2015.
The program includes works by Mesrop Mashtots, Grigor Nakeratsi, Grigor
Pahlavuni, Nerses Shnorhali, Mkhitar Ayrivanetsi and Makar Yekmalyan.
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