"I am convinced that the cancellation of the decision to raise electricity tariffs is extremely dangerous. Therefore, until the final decision is made [by audit company "Electrical networks of Armenia"], the government will incur all the burden of tariff increases. Undoubtedly, we will not touch current programs or social spending, and find the money in funds provided for the further strengthening of security. Indeed, the security problems, to put it mildly, is far from being solved, but I also consider today's atmosphere of suspicion and mistrust I also consider a security issue and a very important issue. It must be solved," president's press service quoted Sargsyan as saying.
Protests against the raising of electricity fees started in Yerevan on June 19. Police dispersed the protesters using water cannons. About 240 of the demonstrators were taken to police stations.
The protests resumed on Tuesday evening, when demonstrators marched to the presidential residence.
On Thursday evening, participants in the ongoing protests in the Armenian capital rejected the prime minister’s request to clear one of the city's central avenues.
Armenia’s authorities made the decision to raise electricity tariffs by 16.7 percent on June 17. The raise will be effective as of August 1, 2015.
