Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Aug. 31 signed a decree appointing
Yerlan Karin as vice president after nominating him earlier that day; the
Kurultai (parliament) approved the nomination. Karin was serving as first deputy
head of the presidential administration. Tokayev said the vice president will
work closely with lawmakers and the government and perform duties assigned by
the head of state under the constitution.