Chechnya prime minister resigns

Sergei Abramov (left) nominated Ramzan Kadyrov as his successor

The pro-Russian prime minister of Chechnya, Sergei Abramov, has handed in his resignation on health grounds.

He has not worked since he was injured in a Moscow car crash last year.

Powerful militia leader Ramzan Kadyrov, the son of the assassinated president Akhmad Kadyrov, is expected to be appointed as his successor.

Human rights groups say Mr Kadyrov's militia have been responsible for kidnappings, killings and torture - charges he denies.

After submitting his resignation to President Alu Alkhanov on Tuesday, Mr Abramov told the Itar-Tass news agency: "I resigned on the condition that Ramzan Kadyrov lead the Chechen government because I sincerely believe that this decision is right."

Mr Kadyrov has been caretaker prime minister since Mr Abramov's accident in November.