YEREVAN (RFE/RL)–The newly appointed Prime Minister Aram Sargsyan held his first cabinet session on Thursday after being presented to acting ministers by President Robert Kocharian.
Sargsyan–who is the younger brother of the slain premier Vazgen Sargsyan has not spoken in public since his surprise appointment on Wednesday.
The government meeting was held behind the closed doors.
Sargsyan is expected to announce the composition of his cabinet next week. It has to be endorsed by the head of state–according to the Armenian constitution.
Kocharian–who left the government hall while the meeting continued–told reporters that "the majority of the ministers" should remain in their posts.
He did not specify whether this applies to the ministers of interior and national security who have tendered their resignations.
The military hold them responsible for failure to prevent five gunmen from entering the parliament building. Kocharian has not yet accepted the resignations.
The new cabinet is to submit its program of action within 20 days from its formation.
Leaders of the majority Unity faction in parliament which nominated Sargsyan to succeed his brother have said there will be no policy changes.
The government budget for next year was submitted to parliament shortly before the attack on the National Assembly.
Most political groups in Armenia have welcomed the Sargsyan’s appointment.
The Unity bloc was co-headed by the assassinated prime minister and parliament speaker Karen Demirchian.