17:00 News in Brief: Who is Competing for Parliamentary Mandates, Prolongation of Detention, and International Scandal

Last hour's news summarized and insightful:

• Today marks the end of the nomination period for the parliamentary elections scheduled for June 7, with more than ten political forces already submitting their applications.
• The United National Constitutional Party has announced its decision not to participate in the elections to avoid fragmentation of opposition votes.
• In the context of the electoral processes, a sharp remote debate has begun among the leaders of political forces regarding guarantees of national security and peace.
• The court has extended the detention of Bishop Bagrat for another two months in connection with charges of usurpation of power and planning terrorism.
• The “Armenia” alliance has expressed its readiness to support any opposition candidate who receives the most votes for the sake of a common victory and a potential coalition.
• US military forces have seized an oil tanker transporting oil from Iran in the Indian Ocean as part of the enforcement of international sanctions.
• The European Union is discussing the establishment of a special security council to enhance the operationality of foreign policy and defense decisions.
• Officials from Armenia and Georgia have discussed regional security issues and the importance of establishing lasting peace in Tbilisi.
• The government has clarified the procedures and conditions for granting deferments to students undergoing military service under the “Honorary” program.