Vazgen Sarkisyan Armenian statesman and military leader, died as a result of a terrorist attack. Date of Birth: 05.03.1959 Country: Armenia

1. Biography of Vazgen Sarkisian
2. Early Life and Education
3. Career and Achievements
4. Recognition and Legacy

Biography of Vazgen Sarkisian

Vazgen Zavenovich Sarkisian (Armenian: Վազգեն Զավենի Սարգսյան) was an Armenian statesman and military leader who tragically lost his life in a terrorist attack. He was born on March 5, 1959, in Ararat, and passed away on October 27, 1999, in Yerevan.

Early Life and Education

From 1966 to 1976, Sarkisian attended the Ararat Rural Secondary School. Following his graduation, he enrolled at the Yerevan State Institute of Physical Culture from 1976 to 1980.

During his time at university, Sarkisian also worked as a physical education teacher in a secondary school in his hometown from 1979 to 1983. In 1983, he became the secretary of the Komsomol organization at the Ararat Cement Plant.

Career and Achievements

In 1986, Sarkisian took on the role of head of the Publicity Department at the "Garun" magazine's editorial office, a position he held until 1989. From 1990 to 1995, he served as a deputy of the Supreme Soviet of the Armenian SSR and chaired the Permanent Committee on Defense and Internal Affairs.

During the years 1990 to 1992, Sarkisian commanded the volunteer units of "Yerkrapa." In 1991, he also became the Minister of Defense of Armenia. From 1992 to 1993, he acted as the President's advisor on defense matters and served as the President's representative in the border regions of Armenia. Since 1993, he chaired the volunteer union "Yerkrapa."

Sarkisian held several high-ranking positions within the government, including being the Minister of State of Armenia from 1993 to 1995 and the Minister of Defense from 1995 to 1999. From June to October 1999, he served as the Prime Minister of Armenia.

Recognition and Legacy

Sarkisian received numerous honors and awards for his dedicated service. He was honored with the title of "Hero of Artsakh" and awarded the "Order of the Golden Eagle." In 1999, he was posthumously honored with the title of "National Hero of Armenia" and was bestowed the honorary title of "Sparapet" by the people.

In memory of his contributions, various streets, schools, military units, and a military institute in Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh were named after Vazgen Sarkisian.