Putin appoints Kadyrov as acting head of Chechen Republic

The term of the head of Chechnya, who assumed office in April 2011 is due to expire next month, Sputnik news agency said. 

"Your term ends on [April] 5, as you just mentioned. Based on what you've done over the past years, first of all for the Chechen people and for those living in the republic, but for Russia as a whole as well, I signed a decree today appointing you the acting head of the Chechen Republic, hoping for your participation in the September elections," Russia President Putin told Kadyrov at a televised meeting.

Putin expressed hope, Chechen people would truly acknowledge what Kadyrov has done for the republic. 

Putin urged the Chechen leader to focus on contacts with the federal authorities regarding security issues and to do everything possible to comply with Russian laws.

Kadyrov will be the acting republic's leader until the elections that are scheduled to take place on September 18.

Source : MENA