Vladikvkaz (Russia), Aug 5 (RIA Novosti) The parliament of South Ossetia confirmed Vadim Brovtsev, head of an Urals construction company, as the republic's new prime minister Wednesday.

The former Georgian republic's communications ministry said 40-year-old Brovtsev, head of the Chelyabinsk-based construction firm Vermikulit, was approved by 24 out of 27 deputies in a secret ballot.

His sole candidature was proposed by South Ossetian President Eduard Kokoity, the ministry said.

The ministry reported Tuesday that Kokoity had dissolved the government as part of relieving the prime minister of his duties. The ministry cited poor health as the reason for the dismissal of Aslanbek Bulatsev, who it said had long been ill and had repeatedly sought to resign.

Bulatsev had led the South Ossetian government since October 2008.

Saturday is the one-year anniversary of the start of last August's five-day war between Russia and Georgia, which led to Russia recognizing the independence of South Ossetia and another former Georgian republic, Abkhazia.