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 Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei called the rallies in Armenia against a rise in power tariffs an ‘internal affair’ of Armenia and expressed confidence that Armenian authorities will resolve the situation in the spirit of democracy. He was quoted by Tut.by as saying this at a June 25 press conference following the 5th round of Eastern Partnership informal ministerial dialog in Minsk.
When asked if the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), a military alliance of Belarus, Russia, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, may affect in any way the situation in Armenia, the minister replied that he was perplexed by the question, and there is no need to dramatize the situation in Armenia: ‘Yes, the government intended to take some measures which caused discontent of the population”.

“It is quite clear to everyone that the country’s leadership shows a readiness for dialog. And if those who stage demonstrations fail to grasp it, then it is their problem. I am sure that situation will be resolved,” Belarusian foreign minister added noting that it is an internal affair of Armenia.

“I cannot now recall exactly what provisions of the CSTO regulations are related to provision of military assistance to some state or other, but I think the CSTO regulations say such assistance is possible only in case of foreign military aggression and at the request of the state itself,” Makei said expressing confidence again that the Armenian authorities will resolve the situation in the spirit of democracy.

As was reported, on June 28 demonstrators against the power tariff hike divided into two groups after blocking Bagramyan Avenue in central Yerevan for over a week. The presidential residence, the Armenian parliament, Constitutional Court, and several embassies are located on that avenue. Following the statement made by Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan on June 27, the organizers of the rally attended by thousands – members of ‘No to Robbery’ civic initiative called on protesters to leave the avenue and return to Liberty Square nearby. Yet some of the demonstrators refused to leave, while others moved to Liberty Square. Police warned several times that they plan to open the street so normal traffic could resume.