Today marks the 64th anniversary of the birth of Vazgen Sargsyan, the Sparapet, a state, political and military figure who stood in the trenches of the strengthening of the Third Republic of Armenia, former Prime Minister, first Minister of Defense.
The Artsakh liberation struggle substantially determined the fate of Vazgen Sargsyan. From the very first days of the movement, he was in the ranks of the freedom fighters as one of the first organizers of the Artsakh liberation struggle.
In 1990-91, Vazgen Sargsyan united the volunteer defense detachments under his command, was a deputy of the Supreme Council of the Armenian SSR, and chairman of the standing committee on defense and internal affairs.
V. Sargsyan invested great efforts in keeping the homeland’s land and borders free from enemy encroachments and in achieving victory. Appointed Minister of Defense of Armenia in 1991, he made a major contribution to Armenia’s state-building and the creation of the national army.
He founded the “Yerkrapah” Union of Volunteers, being elected president of the Yerkrapah Volunteer Union. He was awarded the title of Hero of Artsakh and the “Golden Eagle” medal. In December 1999, he was posthumously awarded the title of “National Hero” of Armenia and the “Fatherland” medal.
His political career began in 1999 as leader of the “Republican” party, then co-chairman of the “Unity” alliance. In June 1999, he became Prime Minister of Armenia and a few months later, on 27 October, was killed as a result of the terrorist attack that took place inside the National Assembly session hall.
