Question: Question to the Foreign Minister of Armenia with regard to recent events happening in the country, the protests. Mr. Minister, don’t you think that double standards are used towards Armenia in order to split the society?

Edward Nalbandian: Speaking frankly I did not quite understand what you mean in this case by “double standards”. Increase of electricity prices caused dissatisfaction, people went to demonstration. The government, leadership of the country calls, invites the demonstrators for a dialogue. In this context certain decisions were adopted. A decision was adopted by the Government on compensation of price hike for those, who have limited incomes.

Then an audit in the “Electric networks of Armenia” Company was proposed with participation of independent international experts, as well as representatives of civil society - representatives of the demonstration. Because there was some discontent, mistrust by the demonstrators towards this company. This process will require some time. Until audit is implemented, which will shed light, give answers to questions about which the society is concerned, the Government takes the burden of electricity price increase on itself.

Thus, appropriate steps are being taken by the Government, leadership of country for the establishment of dialogue, for resolution of raised questions. Representatives of international community, as well, call for that. The concern expressed by them we consider as support to the democratic process in our country. On our turn we reaffirmed once again that Armenia was and remains committed to the protection of human rights, fundamental democratic freedoms.