Speaking today at a government cabinet meeting that approved civic society organizations to sit on Armenia’s Police Discipline Commission (a sort of review board regarding police actions to maintain public order), Armenian Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan declared that the protest actions now taking place in Yerevan seeking a reversal of the recently approved electricity rate hike “will not result in victory.”

Abrahamyan called on protest organizers to be “more constructive” and said that the government is ready to discus every question, every problem” voiced by the activists and protest organizers.

“But by simply closing off one of the central thoroughfares, Baghramyan Avenue, and preventing the free mobility of citizens, they [the activists] are violating public order, which goes against the constitution and laws,” Abrahamyan said.

“Taking advantage of this opportunity, I call on our citizens and partners to return to a constructive space so that together we can discuss all problems that concern our citizens,” Abrahamyan concluded.