14:00 News in Brief: Farmers Threaten to Resume Protests, Sharp Decline in Watermelon Exports from Georgia

Today’s news highlights summarized:

The representative of the government addressed the issue of the organization not recognizing Armenia's borders and the shortcomings of allied obligations. The enhancement of the domestic defense industry and ensuring security through multifaceted strategic partnerships have been deemed the country’s priorities. This approach will allow Armenia to avoid unilateral dependence and enhance its defense capability.

Residents of two communities in the Armavir region have blocked intercommunity roads demanding quick solutions regarding the procurement and low prices for peaches and other agricultural products. After negotiations with local authorities, traffic has been temporarily restored; however, if no solutions are found, protests will resume. Relevant bodies are developing programs directed towards the export, preservation, and production of dried fruits.

The law enforcement bodies have completed the investigation of the illegal sale of a higher education institution's building and a large-scale money laundering case involving a former official and two other individuals. The materials regarding the embezzlement of around 200 million drams in property have been separated for submission to the court. Investigations continue for other defendants.

The legislative body is preparing to expedite workflows to timely discuss the Government’s new program and structure. The ruling majority plans to move to discussions on more substantive issues. To exhaust the agenda, the possibility of calling extraordinary sessions on weekends is not ruled out.

Russian law enforcement has expelled the former leader of the Azerbaijani community from the country, whose Russian citizenship had been previously revoked. He spent some time in a temporary detention center for migrants before being transferred to the airport and forcibly expelled from the country.

In the first half of this year, the volume and value of watermelons exported from Georgia have decreased by around 90% compared to the previous year. A particularly sharp decline has been noted in shipments to Armenia. Instead of hundreds of tons last year, this year only negligible amounts have been supplied.

One of the opposition figures in Georgia has positively assessed the political course pursued by the Armenian authorities, viewing it as overcoming historical traumas. According to him, this approach contributes to economic development and European integration, enabling a move away from Russian influence.