YEREVAN, MARCH 17, ARMENPRESS. “Armenpress” news agency presents on the air of “Lratvakan” radio all that you will hear, read and see on today’s news.

Parliamentary briefings will take place at the National Assembly today, March 18. Parliamentary factions will brief the works of the session of the passing week, referring to issues of public concern.  On the same day, again at the National Assembly, Standing Committee on State and Legal Affairs organizes discussions with the participation of parliamentary factions on the draft Electoral Code of the Republic of Armenia. The draft is posted on the official website of the National Assembly.

New settlements in Syria join the ceasefire agreement. Parallel, attempts are made in Geneva to hold negotiations aimed at the Syrian conflict settlement. Expert in oriental studies Suren Manukyan and political scientist Narek Galstyan will analyze the Middle Eastern developments and the US-Russia relations in that context.

Minister of Education and Science Levon Mkrtchyan will meet with the principals of 110 school centers that are member of   “Union of school centers ̎ Union of legal entities. Educational issues and the directions of activities of “Union of school centers ̎ Union of legal entities 2016 will be discussed at the meeting.

Feast of “Palm Sunday” is celebrated at the Armenian Apostolic Church on March 20, on the Sunday preceding Resurrection Sunday. What does “Palm Sunday” symbolize? How was it celebrated in the past and how is it celebrated presently? Pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator church of Ararat Patriarchal Diocese in Byuravan Fr. Ghazar and ethnographer Hranush Kharatyan will speak about these questions.

March 21 is the World Down Syndrome Day. Specialists will speak about the problems facing people with Down syndrome, as well as about the measures of raising public awareness of the issue and programs aimed at improving the life quality of children suffering the syndrome.

Earth Hour campaign will be held on March 19, from 20:30 to 21:30. This means that the outdoor lighting of the buildings of the capital and symbolic monuments, as well as street lights will be switched off for an hour. 170 countries have joint the campaign. Today, ahead of the event the representatives of the initiative in Armenia will introduce the program of Armenia’s participation in the campaign, as well as the importance and significance of the event.

Armenian shooters have recorded successes in Europe.The head coach of Armenia's national shooting team Seyran Nikoghosyan, European Championships bronze, silver, gold medalist and a silver medalist at the World Championship Lilit Mkrtchyan and junior Europe tournament champion Zaven Igityan will meet with journalists and will present the achievements and future plans.

UNESCO designated March 21 World Poetry Day. The event was first marked in Paris then spread all over the world. Ahead of the day, the events of the Poetry Day will be introduced at the Writers’ Union, as well as information will be delivered on the children's book week.

You can read more about these and other topics at armenpress.am and listen to the news on the air of “Lratvakan” radio. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.