DPR appoints acting defense minister; Strelkov becomes chief of general staff
MOSCOW. Aug 14 (Interfax) - The leaders of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) have appointed Volodymyr Kononov as the DPR's acting defense minister, DPR Security Council member Serhiy Kavtaradze told Interfax on Thursday.
"For now Volodymyr Kononov has the role of acting defense minister. He must be affirmed by the Supreme Council. He is a well-known militiaman," Kavtaradze said.
The DPR defense minister, Ihor Girkin (Strelkov) is alive and well, he said. "Ihor Girkin (Strelkov) is alive and well, everything is alright with him. I would call reports about him being injured a hoax. This is absolutely untrue," Kavtaradze added.
Meanwhile, the DPR said on its official website later that the DPR Council of Ministers on Thursday had granted Strelkov's offer of resignation as Defense Minister.
"The Council Chairman, Oleksandr Zakharchenko, explained the important work Ihor Strelkov will be doing. It was announced at the meeting that Zakharchenko ordered the introduction of a new job in the Defense Ministry - that of the First Deputy Minister/Chief of General Staff. Ihor Strelkov has been appointed to this job, his candidacy will also be put up for approval by the DPR Supreme Council tomorrow," the statement said
Volodymyr Kononov has been appointed as the DPR defense minister. His candidacy, too, will be presented at a DPR government meeting on August 15.
