Belarusian president appoints Alexei Kushnarenko as new energy minister

MINSK. Aug 12 (Interfax) - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has appointed Alexei Kushnarenko, previously head of the Beltopgaz state fuel and gasification association, as its new energy minister, the Belarusian Energy Ministry's press office said.

Kushnarenko replaces Viktor Karankevich, who has been appointed deputy prime minister.

The state BelTA news agency said Karankevich is now deputy prime minister responsible in the cabinet for fuel and energy and for industry. He replaced Pyotr Parkhonchik, who has been appointed governor of the Brest region.