MOSCOW, June 25. /TASS/. The organizers of protests in Armenia are instructed from abroad, the head of Russia's State Duma committee on Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) affairs, Leonid Slutsky, said on Thursday.
"Taking advantage of the social sphere problems, which seem to be not that big, the leaders of the opposition parties have brought demonstrators to the streets," Slutsky told reporters in comments to the events in Armenia.
"Unfortunately, foreign instructing is clearly observed here. Since the very beginning, there has been a political color here," the lawmaker said.
The protests were aimed at "the change of the ruling regime that has in particular supported Russia and joined the Eurasian project," he said.
"However, the current authorities have enough power and influence in the Armenian society in order not to allow the development of the situation in a Maidan way," Slutsky said.
Slutsky howerver ruled out the possibility of a color revolution in Armenia.
Protests have been held in downtown Yerevan over several days sparked by the increase in electricity tariffs. The measure, due to enter into force on August 1, has angered the citizens who say this would lead to a hike in prices on essential items and many services.
Opposition forces have taken advantage of this situation.