GROZNY. Nov 13 (Interfax-South) - New Chechen Prime Minister Mikhail Babich will officially begin performing his duties on Friday, head of the Chechen civil administration Akhmad Kadyrov told Interfax.
Kadyrov said he had signed a decree appointing Babich to the post overnight to Wednesday.
"The choice was wide, and there were people eager to test themselves, and various agencies also recommended certain political figures," he said.
Kadyrov said he is satisfied with the candidate for new prime minister, as he had examined Babich's work as deputy governor of the Ivanovo region and saw that he displayed himself positively in that office. Kadyrov also noted that Babich's candidacy, as is stipulated by acting regulations, has been cleared with the leadership of the Southern Federal District and the federal leadership.
Kadyrov recalled that Babich's predecessor, Stanislav Ilyasov, had been appointed Russian minister for the Chechen republic affairs in early November.
Ilyasov confirmed Babich's new appointment and said he intends to personally introduce his successor to the Chechen government in the near future.