During the meeting, Ambassador Mkrtchyan highlighted the potential for cooperation between Alexandroupoli and Armenian cities. He also presented the Armenian government’s Crossroads of Peace initiative and the TRIPP project, outlining their role in promoting regional connectivity and economic development.

The sides discussed prospects for cooperation in the fields of education, culture, and innovation. In this context, Mkrtchyan introduced the activities of the TUMO Center for Creative Technologies and proposed continuing discussions on the possibility of establishing a similar center in Alexandroupoli.

The interlocutors also exchanged views on deepening educational and cultural ties between cities, organizing joint events, and exploring opportunities for direct air links.

Mayor Zampoukis expressed readiness to develop cooperation with Armenian partner cities and support the implementation of joint initiatives. He also emphasized the longstanding and significant contribution of the Armenian community to the city.

The meeting was attended by Armenia’s Honorary Consul in Thessaloniki,  Akis Dagazian, and Alexandroupoli Municipality Secretary General Giannis Bogdis.

In a post on X, Doughty said the United Kingdom looks forward to working with Armenia’s newly elected government.

“The UK looks forward to working with the new, democratically elected Armenian government to deliver on our Strategic Partnership, strengthen regional stability, and develop closer relations with partners in Europe,” he added.

The new package will propose listing 170 individuals and entities. These include close to 90 banks – the biggest in one go – and would take the total number of listed banks to over 100, or more than half of Russia’s 213 internationally connected lenders.

The package proposes transactions bans on 35 banks – four of which are outside Russia – as well as 11 crypto platforms that help Russia evade Western restrictions including in third countries.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the package lays the basis for future tougher measures on crypto at country level.

“… we will introduce ​the possibility of a full third country ​ban for crypto asset services. It ⁠will act as a strong deterrent for the countries hosting platforms that help Russia evade our sanctions,” von der Leyen told reporters.

Kyrgyzstan was the first third country hit by the EU’s anti-circumvention tool in part for its role in Russian ​crypto transactions. The 20th package of sanctions banned EU sales of metal-cutting machinery and telecoms machines.

The Commission ​proposes to freeze the oil ⁠price cap at its current level for six months to avoid rewarding Moscow with higher revenues thanks to the Iran war. The current level is $44.10, well below Brent oil futures which are trading above $90 a barrel.

In addition, the listings include a third country oil refiner and oil traders. The Commission proposes to tighten restrictions on Russian liquefied ⁠natural gas (LNG), ​such as tanker resales; list 30 more vessels in Russia’s shadow fleet; and expand the listing ​criteria to vessels involved in refuelling sanctioned ships or offloading cargo.

The package also includes import restrictions on fish for the first time as well as import and export restrictions on high-performance metal alloys ​critical for defence and aerospace.

According to the Investigative Committee, the two suspects were located by law enforcement authorities and placed in pre-trial detention.

Investigators have initiated public criminal prosecution against six candidates from the Strong Armenia alliance. They are accused under provisions of the Criminal Code related to materially inducing voters and laundering money on an especially large scale.

Detention orders were issued for all six suspects, and their execution was assigned to the police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Authorities said that four of the six candidates remain at large, while efforts to locate them continue.

The Investigative Committee noted that the pre-trial investigation is ongoing and no further details have been released at this stage.

Under Armenian law, persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a final court verdict.

The decision was made by a group within the ICC’s management oversight body, which has also referred the matter to the court’s 125 member states.

Those states will vote on Khan’s future during a special session that will be convened “as soon as possible”. The oversight Bureau stressed that the suspension does not prejudge the outcome of the case.

Khan has repeatedly denied all allegations of sexual misconduct, with his lawyers describing the decision as “unlawful, procedurally unfair and unsupported by evidence”.

Previous media reports have cited a document outlining accusations against Khan, which are understood to include unwanted sexual touching and “abuse”.

A two-thirds majority would be required to uphold any finding, followed by a separate vote on whether Khan, should be removed from office.

Khan, a prominent British lawyer, has been on voluntary leave to fight the allegations since May 2025.

Regardless of the final decision on Karin Khan’s fate from the 125 member states, the controversy is unlikely to end there.

The information was confirmed by Armenia’s Prosecutor General’s Office.

According to the Prosecutor General’s Office, a prosecutor has initiated public criminal proceedings against Tsarukyan under Article 290, Part 3, Point 2 of Armenia’s Criminal Code, which pertains to tax evasion involving particularly large amounts.

Authorities have imposed a travel ban on Tsarukyan as a preventive measure pending further proceedings.

No additional details regarding the allegations or the amount of alleged unpaid taxes were immediately disclosed by prosecutors.

Pashinyan praised state and local government bodies for helping ensure the successful conduct of the June 7 elections and expressed appreciation to law enforcement agencies for their efforts to combat vote-buying and unlawful pressure on voters.

According to the prime minister, the fight against electoral violations demonstrates the effectiveness of institutional and legislative reforms implemented in recent years.

At the same time, Pashinyan voiced concern about what he described as an insufficiently strong public intolerance toward vote-buying practices. He stressed that new mechanisms should be developed to foster a culture that rejects electoral bribery, describing the issue as one of national and democratic security.

“The state, our people, their free will, and the opportunity to express that free will must be the primary object of our care,” he said.

Turning to the government’s agenda, Pashinyan said ministries should actively continue their work, summarize progress achieved in recent years, and plan future activities until the formation of the new parliament.

He emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum in major infrastructure and social programs, including road construction and the “300 Schools, 500 Kindergartens” initiative. The prime minister highlighted the need to fulfill commitments made to children through investments in schools, sports facilities, arts schools, and playgrounds.

Among upcoming priorities, Pashinyan singled out the implementation of the TRIPP project, stating that Armenia should move quickly to complete the ratification process of the agreement signed with the United States.

The prime minister also referred to a number of infrastructure projects, including the restoration and design of the Akhurik-Gyumri railway section, reservoir construction initiatives, renovation of the railway station in Yeraskh, continued construction of the North-South highway, and the planned construction of the Kajaran Tunnel. He added that the Bargushat Tunnel project is expected to follow, based on agreements reached with French partners.

Pashinyan expressed confidence in Armenia’s financial capacity to carry out these projects, predicting increased investment activity in the country.

“The TRIPP project is a multi-billion-dollar initiative that will attract additional billions in investment. Our experience shows that money is not the main issue; the key issue is having a clear vision of what we want to achieve,” he said.

The prime minister also announced plans to identify three priority issues for every settlement in Armenia. He said local administrative leaders should discuss these priorities with residents, adding that he intends to hold working consultations in all regions of the country over the summer with the participation of government officials, governors, and community leaders.

According to Pashinyan, nearly all communities have submitted as many subsidy-supported development projects this year as they implemented over the previous eight years combined.

The prime minister once again highlighted the importance of citizens requesting fiscal receipts for purchases, arguing that public understanding of tax collection and state spending is essential for financing public services and infrastructure.

Pashinyan also discussed efforts to improve the business environment and reform the microbusiness sector. While supporting preferential conditions for small businesses, he stressed the need to prevent abuse of tax and regulatory benefits.

Among the government’s long-term priorities, he identified reform of Armenia’s water sector and closer cooperation with Veolia Jur company on investment planning. He also referred to the introduction of a new solid waste management system, the country’s energy transition agenda, and measures aimed at improving state budget revenue collection.

Concluding the meeting, Pashinyan issued a number of instructions to officials and emphasized the need to develop detailed action plans and clear implementation deadlines across all sectors.

Addressing questions about military procurement and the equipment displayed during the recent military parade, Asryan stressed that Armenia’s defense acquisitions are based on detailed assessments rather than symbolic purchases.

“We do not buy weapons randomly. We assess all parameters and criteria, whether the weapons can be integrated into our existing armaments and equipment, whether our troops are capable of learning to use them, and how they will fit into our overall command and automated control systems,” he said.

Responding to criticism from opposition figures regarding some of the military equipment showcased during the parade, Asryan defended the Armed Forces’ modernization efforts, noting that the army has been rebuilding and replenishing its capabilities following wartime losses.

“The army had to restore its losses, acquire new equipment and weapons, and rebuild its backbone. Through hard work and the daily efforts of the Ministry of Defense, we have managed to do that and present the results to society,” he said.

Asryan also addressed air defense challenges, noting that Armenia’s military transformation places particular emphasis on strengthening air defense, missile defense, and counter-drone capabilities. He noted that recently acquired systems, including fighter aircraft and their missile armaments, play an important role in the country’s integrated air defense architecture.

Asryan added that cooperation with the Military Industry Committee and domestic defense companies is helping Armenia obtain new capabilities that improve the effectiveness of its air defense network.

He argued that Armenia’s air defense, missile defense, and counter-drone systems are currently in a stronger position than they were before 2018 and stressed that the country’s security must primarily rely on its own capabilities.

“Armenia’s air defense, missile defense, and counter-drone systems must rely on themselves. We should not place our hopes on anyone else. We must become strong enough to independently carry out the tasks required to defend the territory of the Republic of Armenia,” Asryan said.

Saghatelyan said other opposition forces have submitted similar requests and that recounts are expected to take place in a number of polling stations across the country by the end of the week.

“There are discrepancies between the results recorded at various polling stations and the data published on the website of the Central Electoral Commission,” Saghatelyan stated.

He said the opposition expects changes to emerge from the recount process, while acknowledging that it is not possible to conduct recounts at all polling stations nationwide.

“In those polling stations where our colleagues clearly saw or felt that irregularities may have occurred, applications for recounts were submitted,” he said, noting that recounts are being sought in around two dozen polling stations.

Armenia held parliamentary elections on June 7. According to preliminary results, three political forces have secured seats in parliament: the ruling Civil Contract party with 727,827 votes (49.825%), the Strong Armenia Alliance with 340,088 votes (23.281%), and the Armenia Alliance with 145,113 votes (9.934%).

The Prosperous Armenia Party narrowly missed the electoral threshold, receiving 3.996% of the vote, just below the 4% required for parliamentary representation. The party has already announced plans to request recounts in a number of polling stations.

Other political forces have also called for recounts following the vote.

The trial is the latest case seeking justice for a spate of similar thefts in recent years from libraries across Europe, suspected to be the work of an organised network.

The thefts targeted rare Russian classics worth millions of euros in total, including by 19th-century literary greats Pushkin and Nikolai Gogol.

The defendants on trial in France have been charged with criminal conspiracy and intent to commit an offence, while some of them are also charged with theft of an exhibited cultural object. They face up to 10 years in prison.

Two are being tried in absentia, with warrants out for their arrests.

Two others — identified only as Mikheil Z. and Beqa T. — have already been convicted and imprisoned in other countries for similar crimes and have been temporarily handed over to France.

Mikheil Z., 50, was sentenced last year in Lithuania to three years and four months in prison for the organised theft of 19th-century publications valued at 606,000 euros ($698,000).

Beqa T., 49, was sentenced to three years and six months in prison in Estonia.

French investigating judges suspect the defendants were part of “an organised criminal network”, according to parts of the investigation seen by AFP.

The thefts, which also hit Germany, Switzerland and the Czech Republic, spurred the creation of a joint investigation team under the European Union police and justice coordination agencies Europol and Eurojust that led to several arrests in 2024.