MOSCOW, February 9 (RIA Novosti) - Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich will continue to serve as governor of Chukotka, as the president has given a highly positive assessment of his activities in the remote Far East region, the Kremlin press service said Friday.
Abramovich was elected Chukotka governor in 2000, and re-appointed in 2005.
A Putin-sponsored 2004 law canceled gubernatorial elections and gave the president the right to nominate candidates. Nominees must receive the backing of more than 50% of local lawmakers.