The nuclear power plant in Metsamor, 30 kilometres from the capital Yerevan, suspended operations last week for scheduled preventive maintenance.

KazMunayGaz is the country's operator for exploration, production, refining and transportation of hydrocarbons, representing the state interests in the oil and gas industry of Kazakhstan.

Fitch said rating based on majority state ownership, significant systemic importance, capital and liquidity support.

Belarus diverted and brought down a commercial aircraft bound from Greece to Lithuania after a bomb threat against the plane was received and a prominent independent journalist travelling on board was taken into custody.