18:00 News in Brief: What Awaits the Doctor Who Argued with Pashinyan, Aram Sargsyan Does Not Want a Change of Power

Last hour's news summarized and to the point:

• Tigran Avinyan announced that the doctor who argued with Pashinyan in Arabkir will not be dismissed for her political views. Maria Zakharova has also reacted to the incident, criticizing Pashinyan's remarks.
• The 'Republic' party has begun pre-election meetings with residents of Yerevan. Aram Sargsyan stated that their goal is to form a real opposition in parliament, not to change the government.
• According to the Electoral Commission, 20 days before the parliamentary elections in 2026, more than 2 million 483 thousand citizens are registered to vote. Information has also been released about those without registration and those voting from their place of residence.
• Catholicos Aram I met with Pope Levon XIV and raised issues regarding the return of Armenians from Artsakh, the release of Armenians held in Baku, and the preservation of Armenian heritage.
• The government plans to allow detained individuals to participate remotely in court sessions and communicate with their lawyers. Legislative changes have been presented to the National Assembly committee.
• Weightlifter Gor Minasian became the champion at the Asian Championships held in India. The athlete representing Bahrain has won the title of Asian champion for the third time in his career.
• Georgia and Azerbaijan have signed major energy and transportation agreements. The parties also announced that passenger rail communication between Tbilisi and Baku will resume on May 26.
• According to Reuters, losses for global companies due to the war between the US and Israel against Iran have reached at least 25 billion dollars. The war has also contributed to a sharp rise in oil and energy prices.