Gagik Melikyan: Baghramyan Avenue will be unblocked without interference (video)
Secretary of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (HHK), Gagik Melikyan, was on a business trip when MPs and intellectuals formed a human shield between policemen and citizens protesting electricity prices in central Yerevan. Today A1+ asked Mr Gagik Melikyan in the National Assembly whether he will stand between the two sides in the avenue, of need be. “The idea itself speaks about high intelligence. I think it is a right decision in order to calm down people,” he said. While Mr Melikyan welcomes the idea, he does not believe that law enforcement agencies cannot and will not commit any unlawful act. “Anyway, we must always be near people, talk to them, listen to their wishes, analyze and evaluate them. People in Baghramyan Avenue are beginning to understand the situation and realize that the country’s president has already given an answer to their concern,” he said. The Republican lawmaker says the question of electricity tariffs cannot be resolved by blocking Baghramyan Avenue and it should not be turned into a protest venue. This morning Mr Melikyan was disappointed by what he saw in the avenue. The street is blocked by dumpsters with some 40-50 people sitting nearby, under a tree. I simply cannot understand what they want. They have received an answer and now the process is continuing. This is a meaningless protest staged by a few adventurers. I have always respected the youth and will continue to respect them. I respect their ideas and suggestions. " Speaking about the police actions in a June 23 crackdown in Baghramyan Avenue, the HHK official said ‘it was the result of mutual provocations. I would also like to say thanks to God that that our law enforcement agencies did not use all legal forces at their disposal. Gagik Melikyan assured us that no one, including the authorities, would like people to stay in the avenue. “Perhaps, those who stay in the avenue want to attract attention. Therefore, I think there is nothing to disperse there. The avenue will be unblocked soon without any interference. It is cool in the evenings and people simply come to the avenue for entertainment. They sing and dance and have a good time there. I think this is a major step in consolidating people in cultural events. In conclusion, the MP said no one, including the authorities, would benefit from the rise in electricity prices.
