NOVO-OGARYOVO, January 23 (RAPSI) – Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved the nomination of Ella Pamfilova for the post of Human Rights Ombudsman. She will replace Vladimir Lukin, whose term is set to expire in February.

“I believe that we are in agreement on this issue. In accordance with the approved procedure, she [Ms. Pamfilova] will be nominated for the position of human rights ombudsman,” Putin said at a meeting with representatives of the leading Russian human rights organizations.

Under the law, the president and members of parliament can nominate candidates for the post of human rights ombudsman and submit proposals on possible candidates to the State Duma a month before the expiry of the current ombudsman’s term.

Human rights ombudsman can only serve in this position for two terms. Vladimir Lukin’s second term will end on February 18.

The State Duma is required to adopt a resolution appointing a new ombudsman no later than 30 days after the previous ombudsman’s term expires, in this case by March 19.

Pamfilova served as a State Duma lawmaker between 1993-1999, a period during which she spearheaded a bill seeking to impose limitations on legislative immunity. In April 2000, Pamfilova joined a human rights commission focusing on the Northern Caucasus. She was once a candidate for the Russian presidency, but earned little support at the polling stations. In July 2002 Pamfilova was appointed chairwoman of Russia's Human Rights Commission. In 2004 after a reshuffle within the Commision, she joined the Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights.