The European Union Delegation in Armenia issued the following statement on recent clashes between protesters and police in Yerevan.

“We have followed closely the recent clashes between protestors and police in Armenia in the context of major discontent over the increase of the electricity price,” says the statement issued by Dirk Lorenz, Acting Head of the EU Delegation.

Reports about excessive use of force against a peaceful rally, as well as on violence directed against journalists are alarming.

It is important to ensure an impartial investigation of these events and to immediately release the detained peaceful protestors.

A genuine dialogue between authorities and the civil society is the only way to overcome tough and unpopular economic decisions.”