Former Belgian prime minister Martens dies

BRUSSELS, Oct 12:  – Former Belgian prime minister  Wilfried Martens, one of the architects of Belgium’s federal division and a long-time leading figure in the European Parliament, has died at the age of 77. Martens was prime minister from April 1979 to April 1981 and from December 1981 to March 1992, leading a total of nine governments during a turbulent period when Belgian politicians argued about the make-up of the country. (agencies)