News in Brief: Driving License Exams, New Draft Deferment Rules, Threat of Gas Pipeline Explosions

Here are the latest news highlights summarized:

• The Ministry of Internal Affairs will conduct practical driving license exams on several Saturdays in February and March to reduce waiting times. Citizens already registered will be notified in advance as the ministry continues to focus on improving service quality.
• The National Assembly has discussed amendments to the law on "Military Service and the Status of Servicemen" in the second reading. The draft legislation proposes that citizens who have graduated from leading universities abroad and have worked in Armenia for at least three years in specified specialties will be exempt from mandatory military service.
• The Yerevan First Instance Court has rejected a landowner's claim against the government concerning a land plot located along the North-South road. The court upheld legal acts related to state rights over the land.
• A member of the parliament's “Armenia” faction has stated that there is a campaign against the Armenian Church, labeling it as a blow to statehood. He also commented on the parliamentary vice-spokesperson's meeting with a clergyman, describing it as unacceptable behavior.
• During a meeting in Geneva as part of the UN Human Rights Council session, the Deputy Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan have continued discussions at a high level following previous contacts.
• The President of France has expressed doubts about the possibility of a peaceful resolution in Ukraine in the near future while emphasizing the importance of continuing negotiations and noting Russia's position.
• The President of Russia has discussed potential plans against the "TurkStream" and "Blue Stream" gas pipelines, mentioning the risks of using a nuclear component. He stated that adversaries are attempting to disrupt the peace process.
• Bloomberg reports that Russia is changing its oil supply routes to China, utilizing larger tankers. This step is attributed to increasing volumes and the economic efficiency of longer transportation.