New Chukotka governor assumes office

Roman Kopin on Thursday assumed office as Governor of the Chukotka Autonomous Area, Itar-Tass reports. The new governor was sworn in and received the certificate of head of the region.

Russian president’s envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District Oleg Safonov, ex-Governor of Chukotka Roman Abramovich, Duma deputies and members of the Chukotka government took part in the ceremony.

On July 3, President Dmitry Medvedev signed a decree on an early resignation of Governor Roman Abramovich at his own request. Roman Kopin was appointed Acting Governor. On July 11, Medvedev submitted his candidacy to the regional Duma. On July 13, Kopin was unanimously approved as Chukotka Governor.

Chukotka’s ex-governor Roman Abramovich said on Thursday he had accepted parliamentarians’ proposal and would run in the elections to the regional legislature.