15:00 News in Brief: Armenia Exits Blockade, Old Banknotes Phased Out, and New Scandals Erupting Worldwide

News in brief from the past hour:

• Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan discussed new economic opportunities with major employers and the unblocking of transport routes as part of the TRIPP project.
• The Central Bank has announced a phased withdrawal of second-generation banknotes from circulation and the procedure for their exchange.
• The Armenian police published the crime statistics for recent days, where violations of traffic rules are predominant.
• China has called for restraint from the parties involved in the Hormuz Strait, emphasizing the importance of energy security and uninterrupted navigation.
• Iranian authorities clarified the timelines for the restoration of properties damaged during military operations and the programs to assist affected citizens.
• Pope Francis and the President of the United States have had a remote debate against the backdrop of mutual criticisms regarding migration policy and wars.