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Civic activist David Sanasaryan convened today a media briefing near the barricades on Bagramyan Avenue in central Yerevan where a group, which has split from other protesters, is holding a rally against a rise in electricity prices. “I have something to say near the barricades on Bagramyan Avenue,” the activist declared.

“Today we are starting a decisive stage of this movement. We are entering an important stage,” D. Sanasaryan told reporters. He said they will release a decision of the coordinating group this evening and then start ‘resolute actions’ after “approval of the people”. The activist declined to clarify what he meant by “resolute actions”.

As regards the statements made by the Armenian police, Sanasaryan said: “The police believe that the situation cannot continue like this. And we will resort to resolute measures. People will gather here, hear our speeches and decide whether or not to approve our tactics. After getting approval, we will enter a decisive stage. There will be multi-vector plans. It will be of a peaceful nature, we are not going to make any calls for violence, but we will demonstrate our determination”.

As was reported, on June 28 the demonstrators against the power tariff hike divided into two groups after blocking Bagramyan Avenue in downtown Yerevan for over a week. The presidential residence, the parliament, the Constitutional Court, and several embassies are located on that avenue. Following the June 27 statement of Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, the organizers of rallies attended by thousands – members of ‘No to Plunder’ civic initiative urged protesters to leave Bagramyan Avenue and move to Liberty Square nearby. Yet some of protesters refused to leave and continue blocking Bagramyan Avenue. On July 2 the Armenian police removed water cannon and armored personnel carriers from Bagramyan Avenue in Yerevan, while the previous day, July 1, the police called on the rally organizers and participants to respect the Constitution, laws and legitimate interests of others and to unblock the avenue voluntarily.