.jpg)
Tehran, Iran, June 27
By Temkin Jafarov - Trend:
The lack of reaction of the Western countries to the events recently taking place in Armenia, shows the influence of the Armenian lobby in these countries on the political circles, Iranian independent expert on Caucasus and Central Asia Hassan Beheshtipour told Trend June 27.
He said that Western countries pursue their own interests, and the fact that they are silently watching the events in Armenia, shows the degree of influence the Armenian lobby has on them.
"Usually, such countries as the United States, the UK, France, and a number of international human rights organizations quickly respond to such events," said the expert.
"However, the reason for remaining silent about the events taking place in Armenia, is their attitude towards this country. The Armenian lobby in France, the US Congress is very strong and authoritative."
The silence of the West has a certain limit, according to Beheshtipour.
"If the tensions in Armenia will further increase, the Western countries will have to state their position on these events in order to avoid public pressure," said the Iranian expert.
On June 23, the Armenian police broke up a rally in the center of the country's capital. The rally was held in protest against the increased electricity tariffs. The protests in the streets resulted in use of water cannons against people. Over 230 people got arrested as a result of violent crackdown, including journalists of Gala TV, the Radio Liberty's Armenian office, the Haykakan Zhamanak newspaper, the Hetq, News.am, Panarmenian.net news agencies.
On June 17, Armenia's Public Services Regulatory Commission, considering a request from the distribution company, Electric Networks of Armenia, which is a subsidiary of the Inter RAO UES, raised the electricity tariffs by 6.93 Armenian drams (about $0.015).
This caused discontent among the population that believes the rise in the cost of electricity will lead to higher prices for essential goods and many services.
---
Follow the author on Twitter: @JafarovTemkin