Putin sacks regional development minister

MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday dismissed Minister of Regional Development Oleg Govorun and appointed Igor Slyunyaev in his place, the Kremlin press service said.

Govorun had occupied the post of regional development minister since May 21, but he, along with Education and Science Minister Dmitry Livanov and Labor Minister Maxim Topilin, was slammed by Putin for the lack of activity in implementing presidential decrees.

Several local media had reported the possible dismissal of Govorun earlier this week, but the Kremlin denied the reports on Tuesday.

Slyunyaev, 46, was former governor of the central Kostroma Region.

After the appointment, Putin told Slyunyaev at a meeting that the new minister must attach great importance to poor people's housing problems.

"The ministry is facing a lot of tasks, but I am urging you to never forget about one of them and attach particular significance to it: I mean the resettlement of (people living in) run-down housing," the president said.

Putin, who was sworn in as president in May, approved the formation and lineup of Russia's new government on May 21.