The deal was part of a package to extend Iranian aid to President Bashar al Assad's government, its main political ally.

The scandal dates back to 2011, when media reported the diocese suffered losses of up to 800 million euros on bad investments.

A slowdown was widely expected due to the impact of federal spending cuts, but also from the continuing weakness in the global economy.

Exchange rate of euro totaled AMD 543.94, increasing by 0.13 point while the rate of Russian ruble totaled AMD 12.42.

Fighting between security forces and insurgents had emerged as the second most significant cause of civilian deaths.

Lonnie Snowden said he was grateful to Putin and the Russian government for their “courage” and “strength” in protecting his son.