Kabul, March 18 (IANS) The Afghanistan government Tuesday appointed Mohammad Younus Qanooni as vice president of the country.

Qanooni replaces Marshal Mohammad Qasim Fahim, who died earlier this month after prolonged illness, Xinhua reported citing a statement issued by the Afghan Presidential Palace.

A consultative meeting chaired by Afghan President Hamid Karzai unanimously appointed Qanooni as the vice president.

Qanooni, who is presently a member of the Lower House of the Afghan parliament, had also served as speaker of the house, and interior and education minister.

He will face a vote of confidence in parliament soon.