Armenia

Protests were triggered by raising electricity prices, by some 16 %, and are in the 6 day now. Armenian president Serzh Sargsyan offered concessions, including hiring international auditors to determine whether raise were justified; in the meantime during the audit, expected to last 3-6 months, electricity will be subsidized. However, protesters still occupy Bagramian square in central Yerevan. They were told that the gathering is illegal and will be dispersed by police tonight. People still stay. Some reportedly 'professional' protesters trying to impose political demands, and having trouble-making history, were shown on Russia24 TV -Vesti channel. Protesters interviewed on camera appear to confirm that protests are economic; although some try to make it anti-Russian (or anti -Turkish, or anti-Ukrainian, according to statements by a lady in the crowd in that report)
 * Foreign NGO involvement is alleged/suggested by Russian MSM sources
 * Protesters are getting free food, water, provided by activists. Students are on a watch out against provocations.
 * Those interviewed appear to talk about economic issues only.
 * Police is saying that some protesters in front rows have /may have explosives.
 * Armenian PM says some people among Yerevan protesters seek to destabilize the country TASS-English
 * Electric grid in Armenia is owned by 'Electric Networks of Armenia', which is an affiliate of the Russian Inter-RAO company. Management decisions and style of Evgenii Bilibin, General Director of Electric Networks of Armenia, was criticized for what was viewed as inefficiency and spending excesses.
 * Nationalization of electric grid was discussed by president Serzh Sargsyan; a rich Armenian businessman expressed an interest to buy it.

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 * Live streams: Azatutyun Radiokayan channel-new streams daily (the one from July 5 is linked on the right and above);  1in.am Armenian News & Analyses-runs  continuously

Night of 28.6 -morning of 29.6. Protesters were told to leave Bagramian Avenue, or face removal by force. Protesters split, sone of them moved to Freedom Square, some returned to Bagramian. Police did not use force. In the morning, police officers emerged, apparently to demand return of garbage containers used to build barricades. Protesters went on top of the containers to prevent this. There was some megaphone shouting, but no violence. Police cordoned off the area leading to Bagramian Avenue. Some people, appeared to be activists, still stay; not too many of them can be still seen there at Bagramian Avenue.

4.7 Protesters say that at least one of their demands (keeping/reducing electricity tariffs, investigating/punishing police for confrontation, ...)  should be satisfied, or else they will move garbage bin barricade a step a day towards presidential palace. The palace is on Bagramian Avenue (map); as well as the protest; so they do have a chance to get their in reasonable time  at such rate.

6.7 It is reported that police removed garbage bin barricade, arrested some protesters--most were released in the evening. Earlier, a tip was received  on possible provocations. Unknown is this over at this point.
 * Also: an 'odious' Russian businessman/farmer/'old faith' Christian dreamer Sterligov suddenly ran away to Nagornyi Karabakh, in anticipation or fear of some unspecified problems-some say due to his support of radical nationalist causes and possibly  him investigated for  violence.

Appeals
Dramatic multimedia appeal by Ekoz'yants, Kharkov resident of an Armenian descent (English subs).- Warns against repeating Maidan.