Armenian PM resigns after hostage crisis

Armenia's Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamian resigned yesterday after anger over a protracted hostage crisis highlighted popular discontent over official failings in the ex-Soviet nation. "I decided to step down so that the President can form a new government," Abrahamian, 58, told a cabinet meeting. Abrahamian "will be replaced by former Yerevan mayor Karen Karapetyan", a top official said.