11:00 News in Brief: New $320 Million Loan, Participation of the Catholicos in Court

Today's brief and substantive news highlights:

• The National Assembly is discussing the nomination for the position of Deputy Speaker of the Parliament presented by the opposition faction, which has also pledged support from the "Armenia" alliance.
• The Supreme Patriarch of All Armenians and members of the Supreme Spiritual Council will participate in the first session of the preliminary hearings for a criminal case scheduled for August 7.
• The government has approved a decision to obtain new loan agreements totaling $320 million, with $150 million to be provided by the Asian Development Bank.
• More than $62 million has been allocated by the government for various state programs, including road construction in provinces and organizing an international conference.
• Approximately 148 million dram has been allocated for the needs of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for the purpose of acquiring vehicles and computer technology.
• The government intends to establish a special platform for managing illegally seized property, aiming to return $2 billion worth of assets to the state in the coming years.
• Armenia's electrical networks are expected to become state property and be handed over for fiduciary management.
• The Minister of Justice addressed the demands raised by the Azerbaijani side regarding amendments to the Constitution.
• The Prime Minister has traveled to Kyrgyzstan for a two-day working visit to participate in the next session of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council.
• Moscow and Yerevan continue discussions regarding the opening of the Russian Consulate General in Kapan and the Consular Department of Armenia in Vladikavkaz.