12:00 News Brief: Theft of Crosses from Churches, Security Presence in TRIPP

Yesterday's news summarized and to the point:

• The Anti-Corruption Committee has arrested employees of "Gazprom Armenia" and regulatory bodies for issuing gas supply permits with violations in newly constructed buildings.
• The Ministry of Internal Affairs is conducting operational-investigative measures regarding the theft of crosses from the Hovhannes Monastery and St. John Church.
• The Prime Minister has introduced the newly appointed Secretary to the staff of the Security Council and outlined upcoming tasks.
• Sargsyan Khandanian also stated that TRIPP is an infrastructural project, not a territory or military base, and does not foresee any security presence of other states. The entire security function is reserved for Armenia.
• A member of parliament refuted claims that Armenian authorities oppose the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by other states.
• The United States plans to impose unprecedented economic isolation and maritime blockade measures against Iran.
• Due to a massive wildfire raging in western Germany, the entire settlement of around 1,800 residents has been evacuated.