22 Oct 2013 13:42

Onishchenko stepping down as head of consumer rights watchdog

BEIJING. Oct 22 (Interfax) - Gennady Onishchenko is leaving his post as the head of Russia's Federal Service for Health and Consumer Rights (Rospotrebnadzor) as his term in office expires, to be replaced by his deputy, Anna Popova, Deputy Russian Prime Minister Olga Golodets said.

"Gennady Onishchenko's authorities as head of Rospotrebnadzor have expired, in light of which he is leaving the post. The deputy head of Rospotrebnadzor, Anna Popova, will be appointed the agency's new chief," Golodets told the press in Beijing in comments on an announcement concerning Onishchenko's possible departure. She said that Popova "is a qualified doctor and fine specialist."

Onishchenko has yet to comment.