Russian envoy to NATO appointed as Deputy PM

PanARMENIAN.Net - Russian NATO ambassador Dmitry Rogozin has been appointed Deputy Prime Minister responsible for the defense industry, President Dmitry Medvedev said on Friday, December 23, RIA Novosti reported.

“I have appointed you… to coordinate the development of the defense industry complex,” Medvedev told Rogozin, adding that his duties will include “oversight of the placement and implementation of defense contracts.”

Rogozin replaces Sergei Ivanov who was appointed presidential chief of staff on Thursday.

This year’s State Defense Order is estimated at 750 billion rubles (about $25 billion), 50% up on the previous year.

Only 50% of the 2009 State Defense Order was fulfilled amid corruption allegations.

Medvedev said Rogozin would have extensive powers to “straighten things out” and “slap [some people] on the wrist.”