Armenia's defense minister appointed acting prime minister

Prime Minister Andranik Markaryan died Sunday of a heart attack at the age of 55.

The Armenian government and presidential administration have neither confirmed nor denied the appointment.

On Monday, President Robert Kocharyan accepted the Cabinet's resignation due to Markaryan's death. The Armenian leader charged the Cabinet with continuing their duties until a new Cabinet could be formed.

Parliamentary elections in Armenia are scheduled for May 12, and after the first session of a new parliament, the Cabinet will resign again. RIA Novosti