Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has appointed a new special envoy to the North Caucasus, which remains racked by Islamist and separatist violence.
Alexander Khloponin will be given the specific task of promoting economic development in the impoverished region.
Mr Khloponin is not from the Caucasus, but is a former governor in Siberia.
Full story: BBC News – Russia names Khloponin as new Caucasus supremo.