Armenian National Assembly Speaker Alen Simonyan today a decree that officially terminates the tenure of Armen Sarkissian as president.

Simonyan will temporarily assume the post of president until the parliament elects a new president.

Sarkissian resigned on January 23, arguing that the post of president is largely ceremonial and thus prevents him from influencing government policies and confronting the challenges facing Armenia.  

Sarkissian had until January 30 to withdraw his resignation.

National Assembly Deputy Speaker Hakob Arshakyan will temporarily exercise the powers of the Speaker Simonyan.