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Former Gazprom employee appointed new Armenian PM — source

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan has reportedly signed a decree on appointing Karen Karapetyan the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia

YEREVAN, September 13. /TASS/. Karen Karapetyan, 53, who worked in Russia’s energy giant, Gazprom, in recent years and served as Mayor of Yerevan in 2010-2011 has become Armenia’s new Prime Minister. Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan signed a decree on his appointment on Tuesday, a source in the president’s office has told TASS.

"To appoint Karen Karapetyan the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia," the document reads.

Karapetyan’s candidacy was approved unanimously on Thursday at a meeting of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia led by President Serzh Sargsyan. Addressing fellow party members, Sargsyan voiced his confidence that "by working effectively, Karen Karapetyan may become a unique symbol of change in Armenia," and "will be able to lead the country’s development in a modern spirit."

Closing last Thursday’s government meeting, Armenian Prime Minister, Hovik Abrahamyan, announced his resignation from the position, which he had held since April 2014. On the same day, the Armenian president accepted the government’s resignation instructing its members to continue working until the appointment of new members of the Cabinet.