MINSK, April 22 (Itar-Tass) - President Alexander Lukashenko has appointed Vladimir Potupchik as energy minister, the presidential press service reported on Monday.

Earlier, Potupchik was deputy chairman of the upper house of Belarus’ parliament.

Lukashenko also signed a decree to appoint Yevgeny Voronov as director-general of Belenergo State Production Association.

On April 18, the Belarusian president decreed to dismiss Alexander Ozerets, who was Belarus’ energy minister. Lukashenko also dismissed First Deputy Energy Minister Eduard Tovpents and Belenergo Director-General Alexei Shirma.