June 15, 2012 - 22:12 AMT
Parliament vice-speaker: MPs from RPA will retain ministerial posts

On June 15, Yerevan hosted ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) executive body and council meeting chaired by RPA leader, President Serzh Sargsyan.

As parliament vice-speaker Eduard Sharmazanov noted, ministerial seats in RA new government was discussed at the party’s meeting.

He said that according to the decision taken, MPs from RPA will retain their posts.

The ministerial seats left vacant following Prosperous Armenia’s refusal to join the coalition were distributed as follows: Gagik Beglaryan was appointed as Minister of Transport and Communication, Derenik Dumanyan was appointed as Health Minister, with Artyom Asatryan taking the post of Minister of Labor and Social Affairs.

Dwelling on the position of Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, Mr. Sharmazanov said the appointee will be named during the government’s meeting.

Asked if rumors on Hrachya Rostomyan’s (Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee) becoming the new Minister of Sports are true to fact, the vice-speaker said he doesn’t rule out the opportunity.

Mr. Sharmazanov noted that the government will probably submit its program from June 20-22.

As for Samvel Nikoyan who was said to take one of ministerial seats, National Assembly vice speaker said he will continue working in the legislative branch.