Donetsk, Dec 20 — DAN. Donetsk People’s Republic Acting Head Denis Pushilin has signed a decree vesting Russian senator powers in former DPR foreign minister Natalia Nikonorova, who will represent the Republic’s executive branch in the Federation Council upper house of the Russian parliament.

The decree has come into force. It will be forwarded to the Federation Council.

Earlier reports on Tuesday said that Nikonorova had been relieved of her duties as DPR foreign minister.*jk