Third President of Armenia, Chairman of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) Serzh Sargsyan on Saturday issued a message on the 70th birthday anniversary of late statesman, political figure, former Armenian Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan.

The message, publicized by Sargsyan’s office, runs as follows:

“Today we pay tribute to the bright memory of Andranik Margaryan, a prominent statesman and political figure, a devoted son of his homeland and people, former Prime Minister of Armenia, and RPA head, on his 70th birthday.

The life and work of Andranik Margaryan, from the underground struggle for the independence of Armenia during the Soviet period to active political and state activities in the newly independent Armenia, deserve only deep respect and recognition.

The seventh Armenian PM, Andranik Margaryan took his rightful place in the ranks of those who devoted themselves to the restoration of the Armenian statehood.

Political and economic achievements attributed to the period of his state activity, undoubtedly, were largely due to Andranik Margaryan’s managerial abilities, high human qualities, balanced and sober thinking, patience and boundless diligence.

Everyone remembers Andranik Margaryan as a decent, broad-minded and kind man, completely devoted to the national goals, who was also able to play a balancing and unifying role in the country's political arena, something which is desperately needed in today's divided Armenia.

I am confident that we will successfully overcome this ordeal with honor jointly with all healthy forces in this difficult period for our state and people to build the powerful and sovereign Armenia based on national values, which Andranik Margaryan and his ideological friends dreamed of.

He was a truly popular prime minister, who was loved for his work, dedication, modesty and broad-mindedness.”