A draft law, which envisages toughening accountability for electoral fraud in Armenia and banning charity during the election campaign, passed the first reading in the Armenian parliament.

The lawmakers voted unanimously to adopt the bill at first reading, although Republican Party of Armenia and Tsarukyan bloc criticized the legislative package and urged the government to make certain changes.

If the parliament adopts the bill at second reading, it will be in force during the capital city Yerevan Council of Elders’ election on September 23.

Turkish culture and tourism minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy will attend the divine liturgy at the Holy Cross Armenian church on Akhtamar Island in Lake Van, Turkey.

The church is preparing to host the liturgy on September 9 after a three-year break.

The government of Armenia on Thursday adopted a decision, whereby it is envisaged to grant tax privileges to Rad Sane Vashamir Group company of Iran.

The adoption of this draft decision stems from the need to push back for three years the deadline for the VAT payment for the import of goods by this company, and within the framework of an investment program. Within the framework of the investment program it presented, Rad Sane Vashamir Group plans to invest over $22 million in Armenia.

Two Armenian children will be deported from the Netherlands later this week, Dutch officials said.

Howick, 13, and his sister Lili, 12, will be sent to join their mother in Armenia's capital, Yerevan, before September 8.

Earlier, the court ruled the Justice Ministry may not grant a residence permit for children whose mother was deported from the country last August.

Armenia’s Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan on Thursday signed an order to appoint Consul General to Los Angeles.

Accordingly, Armen Baibourtian has been appointed Consul General of Armenia in Los Angeles.

The niece of Serzh Sargsyan, the third President of Armenia, has turned herself in to the Special Investigation Service.

Ani Sargsyan, the daughter of Serzh Sargsyan’s brother Lyova Sargsyan, was under search for several months, and she voluntarily turned herself in to the SIS a few days ago.

Lyova Sargsyan and his daughter, Ani Sargsyan, are defendants along the lines of a criminal case into concealing assets subject to declaration, and unlawful enrichment.