Andranik Markarian

Andranik Markarián (Ա Ա Ԁ Ԁ ր Ա Ԁ Ԁ ր s, s.....

Markarián became interested in politics at an early age and at the age of 17 had already joined the nationalist movement. In 1974 the authorities of the Armenian Soviet Republic sentenced him to two years in prison for taking part in clandestine political activities.

A member of the ruling Republican Party, Markarian was appointed Prime Minister of his country on May 12, 2000. While representing the ruling party, he maintained good relations with the opposition, which accuses Armenian President Robert Kocharian of curtailing fundamental freedoms.

Died in office in March 2007 of a heart attack. Kocharián convened an extraordinary meeting of the cabinet of ministers to study the measures to be taken after the death of the head of government, in particular, the appointment of his successor in office.