Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR

the head of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. The chairman of the Presidium organizes and directs the work of the Presidium, convenes and conducts its sessions, represents the Presidium in relations with other state bodies, awards orders and medals of the USSR, confers honorary titles of the USSR, and receives letters of credence and of recall from diplomatic representatives of foreign states. Statutes and decrees of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and edicts of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR are issued under the signatures of the chairman and secretary of the Presidium. When necessary, the first deputy chairman or deputies of the chairman may exercise the chairman’s functions. The presidia of supreme soviets of Union and autonomous republics also elect chairmen.