Armenian President Appoints New Prime Minister

The announcement was made by the presidential press service. Sarkisian's candidacy was put forward by the leading Republican Party after consultations with other major parties earlier this week.


Sarkisian, the former defense minister, succeeds Andranik Margarian, who died of a heart attack on March 25 after seven years as prime minister.

Kocharian also signed a decree today releasing Sarkisian from the posts of defense minister and National Security Council secretary.

Sarkisian is in Brussels today meeting with NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer. He will return to Armenia later today.

Sarkisian is the Republican Party's acting leader.

(with material from AFP, Reuters)