August 1, 2026
Soviet technological base deep modernization through to maintain the experience Of Yerevan for more up to date is, than ever
The recent visit of the management of the Armenian NPP (Metsamor) to the Bulgarian “Kozloduy” NPP is difficult to assess as a regular exchange of experience between the two atomic facilities created within the framework of the Soviet Engineering and Technology School.
In a broader geo-economic context, it demonstrates the continued importance of the Soviet engineering school in atomic energy and simultaneously reflects Armenia’s complex search for a new technological model.
The Armenian delegation in the period between July 14-17 met In the operation experience of “Kozloduy”, including the issues of extending the service life of power units, upgrading equipment, increasing the level of safety and international cooperation. Particular attention was paid to the technical maintenance and management of the existing NPP infrastructure.
The choice in the Bulgarian direction is symbolic
Kozloduy NPP, like Metsamor NPP, is a product of the Soviet atomic school. An agreement on the construction of the plant was signed between the USSR and Bulgaria in 1966, and the first power unit started producing electricity in 1974. Between 1991 and 2002, the plant had six power units with a total capacity of 3,760 MW, and provided more than 45% of Bulgaria’s electricity production.
However, after Bulgaria’s accession to the EU, the country had to decommission the first four VVER-440 units. Brussels considered them insufficiently compliant with European safety requirements due to the lack of a modern protective sealant.
At the same time, the fifth and sixth power units with ВВЕР-440 00 reactors, after modernization in 2005-2006, continue to work and today meet EU standards (Recommendations for decommissioning the existing unit of the Metsamor nuclear power plant are included in both the RA-EU Comprehensive and Extended Partnership agreement (2017) as well hereby year RA-EU joint agreement signed in May declaration):
It is this experience of preserving the Soviet technological base through deep modernization that is of particular interest to Armenia.
Today, the power unit of the Metsamor nuclear power plant is undergoing the second program of extending its operation period. The station was shut down in May of this year for scheduled preventive maintenance for a period of five months. The main works are carried out with the participation of specialists of the Russian state corporation “Rosatom”. The 65 billion US dollars saved in the framework of the first extension program will be used for these purposes.
Officially, the current horizon of operation of the Armenian power unit is determined until 2036. Q:it was planned to create a new atomic facility in that period. However, Yerevan has started in recent months proofread the discourse. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announcercome out is About the possibility of extending the operation of the Metsamor nuclear power plant until 2046, justifying it by the need for additional time for the selection of a new technological platform.
A key question arises. what will be the future architecture of atomic energy of Armenia?
On the one hand, Yerevan actively shows interest in American technologies. In February of this year, within the framework of the US Vice President JD Vance’s visit to Armenia, an agreement was signed to continue cooperation in the field of civil nuclear energy worth about 9 billion dollars, which provides for the development of small modular reactor (SRM) technologies. Moreover, it is necessary to separate the political presentation of the agreement from its economic and legal content.
The announced amount of 9 billion US dollars was not mentioned as a direct volume of American investments in the construction of the NPP in Armenia, but was related to the potential volume of future cooperation, including consulting, technological and other directions.
Official Yerevan has repeatedly announced that the strategic decision was made in favor of the construction of small modular reactors (SRM). A proposal for the construction of small modular reactors was also received from Moscow. In parallel with the experience of operating the Akademikos Lomonosov floating nuclear thermal power plant, which is equipped with KLT-40С reactor installations, Russia is developing a new generation of small reactor technologies based on the RITM-200 installation created for nuclear icebreakers of the “Arctic” type 22220 project. The above-ground modification of RITM-200H with a capacity of about 60 MW is considered one of the options for the use of PMRs in the conditions of limited power systems.
The choice of Armenia’s future nuclear capacity should be considered not only through the prism of domestic energy consumption, but also in a broader geo-economic context. In the coming decade, there is a significant increase in demand for electricity in neighboring Georgia expected (22 billion kWh by 2030 instead of 13.8 billion kWh in 2025), and northern regions of Iran are already facing electricity shortages.
Under these conditions the new Armenian NPP could become not only an instrument of national energy security, but also an element of the regional energy architecture, which would allow Armenia to occupy a more noticeable position in the system of cross-border energy flows of the South Caucasus. That especially is being updated In connection with the implementation of the “North-South” electric energy corridor (Iran-Armenia-Georgia-Russia) project, the creation of which is considered within the framework of the expansion of regional synchronization of energy systems.
From this perspective, betting exclusively on small modular reactors (SRMs) raises certain questions. For a country with a limited domestic market, but a significant energy export potential, it seems more logical to build a medium or large-scale nuclear power plant capable of meeting both domestic needs and exporting electricity. In this case, essentially, nuclear energy production requires more energy than domestic energy.
In general, the actual operation practice shows that Armenia continues to rely on the Soviet engineering school and the experience of countries where Russian design reactors have been preserved. In this sense, the visit to “Kozloduy” is quite demonstrative. Moreover, Bulgaria itself shows how difficult the transition from a Soviet technological base to atopical solutions.
After abandoning the construction of the “Belene” NPP, Sofia considered the possibility of creating a new power unit on the “Kozloduy” platform. As an alternative to the Russian ВВЕР-1000 project, the American Westinghouse AP1000 reactor was considered. But the initial project faced financial problems. the cost of construction was estimated at several billion dollars, and the lack of guaranteed financing made it economically problematic.
Later, Bulgaria again returned to the idea of using Russian-made equipment for the unfinished Belene nuclear power plant during the construction of a new unit at the Kozloduy platform. This once again showed that technology choices in nuclear power are determined not only by political considerations, but also by issues of cost, infrastructural compatibility, personnel potential, and long-term safety.
The Armenian case develops according to a similar logic.
For Armenia, nuclear energy is not only a matter of choosing between Russia and the USA. d:It is a question of technological sovereignty, energy security and the state’s ability to integrate into the global chains of the atomic industry. Today, Armenia simultaneously studies the experience of operating Soviet reactors, maintains cooperation with “Rosatom” and opens a negotiation path with the United States on small modular reactors.
The main challenge for Yerevan is not only the choice of specific technology. It consists in creating a sustainable nuclear policy model where geopolitical diversification does not mean technological dependence on a new supplier.:
The experience of “Kozloduy” shows that In nuclear energy, the winners are not those who are faster to change technology partners, but those who are able to maintain competence, ensure safety and create a long-term industrial strategy.
Vahe Davtyan
fondsk.ru
Translation by Zhanna Avetisyan
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1.5 billion drams in 9 months: 4 million 113,000 dollars, from the reserve fund, the Prime Minister’s office
August 1, 2026
The head of the Prime Minister’s office, before leaving office, presented and approved a project with a package of issues not reported to the regular session of the government, according to which it was proposed to allocate 1 500 000 000 (one billion five hundred million) AMD from the reserve fund of the RA state budget to the RA Prime Minister’s office in the nine months of 2026 (includes the applicable taxes defined by RA legislation).
As stated in the justification of the project, the goal: It is the allocation of funds to the event “Advocate, legal services aimed at the representation and protection of the interests of the Republic of Armenia” of the program “Representation and protection of RA interests in international courts, international arbitrations and other international instances, ensuring the execution of judgments and decisions adopted by them” implemented by the RA Prime Minister’s Office under the 2026 state budget.
In the summary sheet, the Ministry of Finance had the only position, but the Ministry stated that it will be announced in a secret procedure.
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168: The thorny path to becoming a judge. an advisor to the Minister of Justice
August 1, 2026
to the results of the written qualification examination conducted in a special order for the purpose of replenishing the criminal specialization section of the list of candidates for judges 168.amthe referred to about a month ago on July 1st.
We wrote that none of the 32 candidates for the position of judge had scored a passing score of 80, which meant that no one from this list could become a judge. Among them were Hayk Avetyan, a public prosecutor with a political voice, and Nerses Zeynalyan, advisor to the Minister of Justice.
However, on July 30, it became known that the results of the written qualification examination conducted in a special order to fill the criminal specialization section of the unified list of candidates for judges have been summarized.
According to the publication, according to the data published by the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), two candidates passed the necessary passing points and passed the interview stage.
“The highest result was recorded by Nerses Zhirayri Zeynalyan, who received 50 points in the stage of test tasks, and 31.5 points as a result of the assessment of legal issues. His total score was 81.5 points.
The second candidate, Hayk Vahani Kamalyan, received 46 points for test tasks and 34 points for solving legal problems, providing a total result of 80 points., was mentioned statement in
It turns out that the two mentioned candidates have secured the passing threshold as a result of the appeal. 23 in a special order to fill the criminal specialization section of the list of candidates for judges․12 of the aspirants who participated in the written qualification exam held in 06.2026 filed complaints about the results of the written exam, as a result of which Nerses Zeynalyan’s test assignment score changed from 44 to 50, and the 26.5 points obtained as a result of solving legal problems became 31.5. That is, after raising the grades of the assignments by 6 and 5 points, respectively, Nerses Zeynalyan got 81.5 points and got the opportunity to participate in the interview stage.
Hayk Kamalyan’s points were also increased by 1 and 12 points, respectively. The latter will also participate in the interview stage.
The chairman of the appeal commission is former judge, now lawyer Sergey Marabyan, the members are acting judges Makar Kirakosyan and Tigran Voskanyan.
It should also be noted that the appeal committee of each, including: Enter Zeynalyan and: Hayk Kamalyan issued a decision on complaints. The decisions are anonymous, suggesting that the appeals committee was not aware of whose work it was reviewing.
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Nothing about us without us. LCOY Armenia 2026 unites the voices of adolescent
Over 100 adolescents and young people from all regions of Armenia come together to develop a National Youth Statement ahead of CBD COP17 and UNFCCC COP31.
YEREVAN – On July 30–31, 2026, the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY Armenia 2026) took place in Yerevan. This international youth conference on climate change is organized within the framework of YOUNGO, the official global children’s and youth constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This year’s conference was held under the slogan: ‘nothing about us without us’.
The conference brought together more than 100 adolescents and young people of ages 16 to 24 representing all regions of Armenia to discuss the climate crisis, loss of biodiversity, and policies and solutions they believe should be developed and implemented with meaningful and sustained child and youth participation.
LCOY Armenia 2026 was organized by the Youth Council on Climate Change, established in 2025 through a joint initiative of the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Armenia and UNICEF Armenia. To organize the LCOY, the Council was supported by UNICEF, with financial assistance from the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), and by the Armenia Tree Project (ATP).
From discussions to collective recommendations
The first day of the two-day programme focused on climate advocacy by adolescents and young people and the extent of their influence on decision-making at the national and international levels. Participants discussed youth engagement in the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP17), to be held in Yerevan in 2026, as well as UNFCCC COP31.
A dedicated panel explored participation of children, young people and other vulnerable-groups, climate education and literacy, climate and environmental rights, and the role of youth organizations in raising and addressing climate-related issues.
On the second day, participants deepened their knowledge of intergenerational justice, the inclusion of children and young people, the interconnection between climate and biodiversity, just transition, the green economy, climate finance and policy making, and climate action and leadership within communities.
Participants then worked in five thematic groups:
- Climate change and biodiversity;
- Just transition and green economy;
- Climate finance and policy;
- Sustainable food systems and agriculture;
- Youth inclusion and intergenerational justice.
The National Youth Statement was developed based on the inputs and outcomes of these group discussions.
“As a young climate researcher, I want to contribute to advancing data-driven solutions in Armenia and ensuring that young people’s potential is integrated into strategic decision-making processes. We are living through a climate crisis, and LCOY is one of the effective mechanisms through which we, as young people, can raise concerns and propose youth-centered solutions aimed at securing our well-being and future,” said Narek Ohanyan, a member of the Youth Council on Climate Change.
“Young people must have an active role in shaping climate policy and decision-making processes. I am confident that their voices can have a real impact on national and international climate agendas. Through initiatives such as LCOY, I hope to inspire more young people to engage in climate action and environmental decision-making,” noted Ani Paltajyan, a member of the Youth Council on Climate Change.
“UNICEF consistently advocates for the genuine and meaningful participation of children and young people, not only by listening to their views but also by ensuring that their voices are reflected in decisions about issues that shape their present and future. LCOY Armenia provides young people from different regions with the opportunity to collectively define their priorities and recommendations and present them to decisions makers at national and international levels. Young people are not merely beneficiaries of climate policy, they are full partners to shape it,” emphasized Hasmik Aleksanyan, Adolescent Development Programme Officer at UNICEF Armenia.
“For the Armenia Tree Project, educating young people is the most important investment in a sustainable future. We believe that young people are the most powerful force for multiplying change: their knowledge and values ripple outward, reaching families, communities and beyond. Guided by this belief, ATP has built a decentralized web of environmental education through its Environmental Education Centers and EcoClubs across Armenia,” noted Marina Mkhitaryan, Director for Strategic Partnerships and Impact at Armenia Tree Project. “LCOY Armenia is a natural extension of that vision, empowering young people to become active leaders in shaping the agenda for positive climate action.”
“Prioritizing young people means not only implementing projects involving youth, but also listening to them, valuing their experiences and recommendations, and creating opportunities for meaningful participation in decisions that shape their future. The Austrian Development Agency recognizes the importance of engaging youth as full partners in driving change and supports the transformation of their ideas into practical action, in line with ADA’s mandate and capacities,” said Vahe Sargsyan, Programme Manager at the Austrian Development Agency.
At the conclusion of the conference on July 31, participants formally adopted the National Youth Statement through voting. The bilingual statement will be released on Monday 3 August 2026 and will serve as a representative position of Armenia’s adolescents and young people, directly contributing to the development of the Global Youth Statement in the lead-up to COP31.
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Armenia Unveiled Nizak Anti-Tank Missile System, Which Resembles the Chinese G
July 31, 2026
Armenia Unveiled Nizak Anti-Tank Missile System, Which Resembles the Chinese GAM-102LR
Oleksiy Leonov
Armenia unveiled the new Nizak anti-tank missile system, which resembles the Chinese GAM-102LR system in appearance.
This was reported by analyst Hov Nazaretyan.
Thanks to a new video from the Armenian Ministry of Defense demonstrating the anti-tank missile system, the system’s resemblance to the GAM-102LR can be seen.
The anti-tank system was first unveiled at a parade of Armenian military equipment on May 28.
An Armenian servicemember holding the Nizak anti-tank missile system. Screenshot from a video by the Armenian Ministry of Defense
The system’s possible Chinese origin is linked to the strategic partnership between China and Armenia, which became the first country in the region to attain this status in 2023.
On May 28, Armenia also demonstrated Chinese CH-4 Rainbow reconnaissance and strike drones, the procurement of which had not previously been officially announced.
GAM-102LR Anti-Tank Guided Missile System
The GAM-100X is a series of Chinese “fire-and-forget” anti-tank guided missiles with infrared homing heads, exported by Poly Technologies. The series was first introduced in 2016.
The GAM-102 has an increased armor penetration of up to 1,000 mm, a maximum firing range of up to 4,000 meters, and can be deployed from both combat vehicles and a tripod-mounted tube launcher.
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French national’s spying conviction upheld by Azerbaijan court
An Azerbaijani appeal court has upheld the 10-year sentence of a French national, Martin Ryan, for “espionage”, in a case that arose against a backdrop of tensions between Paris and Baku.
The trial of the businessman, who had been living in Azerbaijan for four years at the time of his arrest in December 2023, began in January 2025.
On 16 March, Martin Ryan was found guilty of spying on behalf of Paris, charges that France has denied.
Ryan denied this accusation, saying: “I did not spy. I am not a spy, and during the court case I tried to prove this.”
He stood trial alongside an alleged accomplice, Azad Mamedli, an Azerbaijani citizen who was charged with “high treason” and sentenced to 12 years in prison.
The verdict was upheld on appeal, French news agency AFP learned from the court on Wednesday.
Frenchman convicted for spying in Azerbaijan, sentenced to ten years
According to the prosecution, Ryan was recruited by members of the French General Directorate for External Security (DGSE), who were working at the French Embassy in Baku. Those individuals were subsequently expelled.
He is said to have been ordered to obtain information on relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, Algeria and Somalia, as well as being told to photograph weapons supplied to Baku by Pakistan and obtain information on companies linked to Russia and China.
Relations between France and Azerbaijan were strained following Baku’s recapture, in September 2023, of the then predominantly Armenian territory of Karabakh, which led to the displacement of more than 100,000 residents. Baku criticised Paris for its support of Armenia.
(with AFP)
https://www.rfi.fr/en/international/20260731-french-national-s-spying-conviction-upheld-by-azerbaijan-court
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Armenia’s New Law on Foreigners: What Was Set to Change From August 1, 2026,
Armenia’s new immigration reforms, originally planned for August 1, 2026, have been delayed until November 1 and will introduce work visas, biometric residence cards, digital permit applications and simplified hiring rules for foreign workers.
By: Nisha Srivastava
Last Updated: August 1, 2026 10:48:00 IST
Armenia’s New Law on Foreigners: Amendments have been made to the Law on Foreigners of Armenia that are aimed at improving the immigration process. It is expected that the introduction of the amendments will simplify the process for foreign citizens and improve electronic verification of identities and hiring of foreign employees. Initially, it was planned to introduce the amendments to the law starting from August 1, 2026, however, the Armenian government decided to move the date of their implementation to November 1, 2026. This fact has been confirmed by immigration consultants such as Fragomen, EY, and Envoy Global.
What Is Armenia’s New Law on Foreigners?
The amended Law on Foreigners sets up a new set of regulations regarding entry, employment, and residence of foreigners in Armenia. The amendments replace a number of previous procedures by introducing a more electronic and centralized process. They are aimed at increasing transparency of the process of immigration and reducing documentation. The amendments are relevant to foreign employees, employers, investors, students and applicants for residence in Armenia.
What Changes Have Been Made?
New Work Visa System
A dedicated work visa will be introduced for foreign nationals seeking employment in Armenia. Under the new framework, eligible foreign workers will generally need to obtain a work visa before applying for a residence permit, creating a clearer employment-based immigration process.
Labour Market Test Removed
The amendments abolish the existing labour market test. Previously, employers often had to demonstrate that no qualified Armenian citizen was available before hiring a foreign worker. Removing this requirement is expected to reduce administrative delays and simplify recruitment.
Online Residence Permit Applications
Residence permit applications will shift to a fully digital platform. Applicants will be able to submit documents electronically, making the application process faster and reducing reliance on paper documentation.
Biometric Residence Cards
Foreign nationals granted residence permits will receive biometric residence cards instead of older identification documents. The new cards are intended to improve security and identity verification.
Employer Notification Requirement
Foreign nationals holding temporary residence permits must notify immigration authorities if they change employers. This requirement is aimed at keeping employment records accurate and improving regulatory compliance.
Annual Foreign Worker Quotas
The government will introduce annual quotas for foreign workers. The number of foreign employees permitted each year will be determined by labour market demand and national economic priorities.
Higher Government Fees
Application fees for residence permits will increase under the new framework. Authorities have also indicated that processing fees generally will not be refunded if an application is rejected because the fee covers administrative processing.
End of the Special Passport System
Armenia plans to phase out its existing Special Passport residency framework and replace it with a modern residence permit system based on biometric identification and digital services.
When Were the Rules Originally Scheduled to Take Effect?
The immigration reforms were originally expected to come into force on August 1, 2026, following the passage of amendments to the Law on Foreigners. Many employers and immigration advisers had prepared for the August rollout.
When Will the New Rules Be Implemented?
According to the latest official legal updates, the reforms will now take effect from November 1, 2026, instead of August 1. Until then, the existing immigration rules and procedures remain in force.
Why Was the Implementation Delayed?
Despite the lack of a clear public statement from the Armenian government on all the details of the postponement, immigration and legal experts suggest that the main purpose of the postponement is to buy time for finishing the process of implementing the new digital permit system, preparing the biometric residence card system, and establishing administrative procedures for the new work visa system. The extra time will be needed to help government organizations, employers, and immigration officials get accustomed to the revised procedure of immigration. This postponement is considered an administrative and technical move and not an immigration policy one.
Who Will Be Affected?
The new immigration rules will impact:
- Foreign professionals seeking jobs in Armenia.
- Armenian employers hiring overseas workers.
- International businesses operating in Armenia.
- Investors and entrepreneurs.
- Students applying for residence permits.
- Individuals seeking temporary or long-term residency.
What Should Foreign Nationals Do Now?
Immigration of foreign individuals who plan to immigrate to Armenia will have to follow the existing procedure until November 1, 2026. People who plan to obtain a work visa or a residence permit later this year will have to keep an eye out on government official statements regarding the transition process to the new digital immigration system once it is fully functional.
In other words, the amendment to the Armenian law on foreigners constitutes one of the most significant immigration reforms implemented in recent years in Armenia including introduction of the work visa, digital applications for residence permits, biometric residence cards, and easier process of employing foreigners in Armenia. Despite being scheduled to come into effect on August 1, 2026, the implementation of reforms will be delayed to November 1, 2026.
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When Sharjah Ruler Helped Save Damaged Ancient Armenian Church From Collapse
An Armenian monastery that was once on the brink of collapse, managed to reopen its doors to the public after a significant donation by Sheikh Dr Sultan.
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Perched spectacularly amid thickly forested mountains about 100 kilometres north-east of Yerevan, the Haghartsin Monastery is a masterpiece of medieval Armenian ecclesiastical architecture.
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Founded in the 10th century, the complex which includes three churches and once housed about 250 monks survived attacks from invaders and anti-religious campaigns under Soviet rule.
However, after weathering those storms and suffering severe damage from earthquakes, decades of neglect meant the complex looked headed for collapse. Plants twisted through ancient stone walls, and deep cracks threatened to send the buildings tumbling.
Fortuitous visit
The monastery’s fate changed during a fortuitous visit from Sheikh Dr Sultan in 2005. The Sharjah Ruler had been invited to Armenia by former president Robert Kocharian on a trip set up by the Armenian business community in the emirate.
Following the visit, Sheikh Dr Sultan generously offered to finance the complete renovation of the complex, donating an estimated $1.7 million (Dh6.2 million) towards the restoration efforts.
Meticulous restoration
The extensive conservation project, carried out between 2008 and 2013, was meticulous in its execution. The work strengthened the monastery’s foundations, repaired damaged walls and floors, upgraded drainage and utility systems, and improved access by building a new road up to the site.
Crucially, the restoration preserved the integrity of the original medieval complex, which includes the 10th-century St. Gregory church and a unique refectory hall supported by 12 columns symbolising the Disciples of Christ.
On October 19, 2013, the fully refurbished structure was inaugurated in a solemn ceremony attended by Armenian officials and representatives from Sharjah.
Fostering interfaith harmony
The restoration of the Haghartsin Monastery stands as a powerful symbol of tolerance and cross-cultural respect.
Armenia, considered the oldest Christian country in the world, shares a unique bond with the UAE. Sharjah boasts a thriving Armenian community and is home to the St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church, constructed on land donated by Sheikh Dr Sultan and inaugurated in 1998.
Today, the Haghartsin Monastery remains an active place of worship and a popular destination for tourists, serving as a lasting legacy of the Sharjah Ruler’s vision for cultural preservation.
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Iran Expands Presence at 5th Armenia Navasard Festival
The 5th edition of the Iran-Armenia Cultural and Food Tourism Festival (Navasard) is being held from August 8 to 15, featuring a significantly expanded Iranian presence, as for the first time, 20 Iranian provinces are setting up pavilions to showcase their handicrafts, traditional foods, ethnic clothing, and tourism capabilities.
A major highlight of this year’s event is the “Peace Cup” international cooking competition, where 20 Iranian chefs will present traditional dishes to promote a culture of peace and friendship.
Running parallel to the festival, a tourism caravan has also set off on a scenic route from Tehran to Yerevan to further bolster cultural ties.
Mostafa Fatemi, Director General of Tousrim Office of Iran’s Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, highlighted the event’s growing international status, noting that the festival provides excellent marketing opportunities for producers.
He also briefly mentioned a broader literary tourism initiative designed to turn Shiraz into a global literary hub during the spring and autumn seasons.
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Armenpress: Congo says death toll in fastest-growing Ebola outbreak has passed
The fastest-growing Ebola outbreak has killed more than 1,500 people in eastern Congo, AP reported citing official data, marking a 50% increase in around a week that shows the emergency continuing to outpace response efforts.
3,442 cases have been recorded, with 1,521 deaths, according to the latest government update.
The outbreak, which was declared on May 15, has been linked to the Bundibugyo virus, for which there are no approved vaccines or treatments.
There are currently 797 patients in isolation or hospitalized, while a further 615 patients have recovered, the data showed. Contact tracing continues to lag, with only around 78% of known contacts monitored nationwide, well below the 95% target health officials say is needed to interrupt transmission.
Displacement from armed conflict and illegal mining in the region have made it difficult to trace thousands who have come in contact with infected individuals, according to AP.
Published by Armenpress, original at
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