Kathmandu, Aug 10 (Xinhua) The Nepalese government Sunday named Lt. Gen. Chhatraman Singh Gurung as the country's new army chief.

Gurung, 57, who was the second-in command of the Nepal Army, will succeed outgoing chief Rookmangud Katawal.

Katawal will take one-month leave before his retirement from the post Sep 9. Katawal was appointed to the post in September 2006.

Gurung will be the acting chief till Katawal's three-year tenure expires Sep 9. The defence ministry Friday approved his leave request.

Katawal was removed from the post May 3 by the Unified Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist (UCPN-M) led government, but was reinstated by President Ram Yadav on the same day. After the row over Katawal's sacking, UCPN-M chairman Prachanda resigned from the post of prime minister May 4.