MAKHACHKALA, January 30 (RIA Novosti) - Russia’s North Caucasus Presidential Envoy Alexander Khloponin introduced on Wednesday the new acting head of the republic to Dagestani members of parliament and cabinet officials, the regional leader's press service said.

On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin accepted the resignation of the head of Dagestan, Magomedsalam Magomedov, and appointed a veteran Dagestani politician and State Duma deputy, Ramazan Abdulatipov, as the republic’s acting head.

“Magomedsalam Magomedov delievered a farewell speech at the [introductory] event, and then envoy Khloponin introduced the acting head of Dagestan Ramazan Abdulatipov,” a spokesman for the Dagestani leader's press service said.

The spokesman said the ceremony was closed to the press, except for correspondents from TV channels One and Rossiya.