The son of the former head of the republic of Kabardino-Balkaria has been appointed adviser on internal policy for the regional presidential administration, a news report said Monday.
Kazbek Kokov, who served as a deputy in the republic's parliament prior to the appointment, will likely oversee the restive North Caucasus region, Kommersant reported.
Kokov is expected to surrender his legislative powers this week and arrive in Moscow to take over the new post, a source close to the Kremlin said.
Political insiders said earlier that although Kokov was appointed to the department responsible for overseeing the North Caucasus and Southern Federal Districts, he will not be responsible for his native Kabardino-Balkaria.
His father, Valery Kokov, served as the republic's head for 15 years and was considered one of the most respected regional politicians.
Political experts attribute the appointment of the new internal policy adviser, who is familiar with the region and comes from an influential and respected family, to federal authorities' desire to "understand the complex processes taking place in the Caucasus region."
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