12:00 News in Brief: Electoral Preparations in Armenia, International Tense Negotiations

Recent news summarized and substantive:

• The Chairman of the Central Electoral Commission has guaranteed the transparency of the upcoming parliamentary elections and the free expression of citizens' will. He also denied concerns regarding the misuse of administrative resources during the pre-election period.
• Armenia will participate, at the level of Deputy Foreign Minister, in the meeting of the CIS Foreign Ministers Council to be held in Moscow. The meeting will discuss issues related to the international agenda and multilateral cooperation.
• The first direct meeting between the ambassadors of Israel and Lebanon in the past three decades took place in Washington. The parties discussed potential options for ceasefire and alleviation of the humanitarian crisis.
• The U.S. armed forces announced a complete blockade of Iranian ports and maritime trade. Despite the restrictions, reports have surfaced of at least two ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
• The U.S. Vice President has reported positive developments in the negotiations over Iran's nuclear issues. Washington has expressed a willingness to improve relations if Tehran meets the proposed conditions.