Lawmaker: Electric Networks of Armenia carried out political order

Opposition lawmaker Aram Manukyan today spoke at the National Assembly about the increased electricity prices and the government’s promise to cover the cost of the tariff increase. He cited Serzh Sargsyan’s announcements and called attention to the contradictions between his words and the ongoing processes. Deputy Prime Minister Vache Gabrielyan assured Mr Manukyan that ‘there is no contradiction in here’. “Consultations are being held in the Public Services Regulatory Commission and other regulatory bodies which focus on a wider range of issues. They are trying to understand whether the PSRC has made a right decision or not. We also want to understand whether it is possible to optimize prices and whether it will fit into our strategy. All questions will get their answers,” Mr Gabrielyan said. The lawmaker’s next question was addressed to Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan. He said he had information that during local elections in Maralik a Republican candidate gave voters bribe - checks provided by the Russian-owned Electric Networks of Armenia (ENA – a Russian owned company) that manages Armenia's electricity grid. “I am making an official statement now, Mr Abrahamyan. I present you the facts and you will forward them to the Prosecutor’s Office,” said the lawmaker. “And I confirm,” said Naira Zohrabyan, Head of the Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK) faction. Vache Gabrielyan said that the audit only refers the ENA which is a private company. This was followed by an argument between Aram Manukyan and Hovik Abrahamyan. “Serzh Sargsyan ordered the audit in your presence,” Manukyan said. “Do not break the NA regulations, Mr Manukyan,” Abrahamyan said in reply.