Russia

Daghestani Parliament To Consider Leader's Successor

Magomedali Magomedov served from 1983-2006 (file photo) (AFP) 20 February 2006 -- The regional parliament of Russia's southern Republic of Daghestan meets today to consider a replacement for de facto leader Magomedali Magomedov, who resigned on 16 February.
Magomedov, who is 75, cited age as the reason for stepping down from the chairmanship of the State Council collective presidency.


He had been in charge of the republic since 1983. His current term in office had been due to expire in July.


Under new rules introduced last year, regional leaders are no longer directly elected but are nominated by Russian President Vladimir Putin and then approved by the local legislature.


Putin's envoy to southern Russia, Dmitry Kozak, is due to announce Putin's nominee.


Police said security in the regional capital Makhachkala had been boosted ahead of the session.


Daghestan, which borders Chechnya, has seen a rise in violence blamed on militants and crime gangs.


(Interfax, ITAR-TASS)

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