Expert: Bibin's Return to Yerevan Speaks for Tension between Armenian Authorities and "Inter RAO"

"Electric Network of Armenia" CEO Yevgeny Bibin's return to Yerevan speaks for the tension between the Armenian authorities and the Russian "Inter RAO" - the owner-company of the ENA, head of the Armenian Institute for International and Security Issues Stepan Safaryan said. 

According to him, dispersing the Baghramyan Avenue rally on the very day Bibin arrived evidences that the Armenian authorities are ready to make concessions to Russia.

However, the new rally in Liberty Square speaks for some Armenian preconditions, which are to be met.  The expert has some wild guesses that during the audit at the ENA the Russian side will vindicate both Bibin and their actions. The same is true for the Armenian side. This, however, will be followed by an escalation in the Armenian society and between the sides. The expert does not understand the actions of those who are protesting against the energy price hike. Given all the subtleties the society is to take part in the audit to make sure of the credibility and fairness of the outcome.  

Safaryan believes that the movement against the energy price rate is facing a crisis, which is evidenced by the July 6 rally. It was obvious, he says, that those who gathered in Liberty Square had no strategy, therefore, they also lacked leverages. He has added that there is no need for disappointment, such developments are quite normal in case of long-term rallies.  

To note, on July 6, the Armenian Police dispersed the protest against the electricity prices hikes after weeks of sit-in on Baghramyan Avenue where the president's headquarters is located.  The Police opened the traffic way by leaving the barricades of litterbins separating the protesters and police for two weeks. David Sanasaryan, one of the coordinators of the movement against the energy price hike, has gone on a hunger strike in Liberty Square on July 6.  This step, he says, is not directed against the authorities of Armenia but citizens. His protest is against Armenian citizens, he will suspend the hunger strike as soon as citizens of Armenia join the fight in Liberty Square to then head towards Baghramyan Avenue. Hovik, another activist, has stitched his mouth up.