Just received this while I was writing the last message. Chernomyrdin, apparently, wants unimpeded decision-making power and choice over cabinet members in the Russian government. This would hopefully allow him to conduct the policy of 'restructuring'. Best regards, Greg. ***** Chernomyrdin took premiership on condition of free reign MOSCOW, Aug 23 (AFP) - Russia's new acting premier Viktor Chernomyrdin only accepted the job on condition President Boris Yeltsin does not meddle in his choice of cabinet or his government's programme, Moscow Echo radio reported Sunday. Citing sources close to Chernomyrdin, the radio said the interim prime minister had agreed to return to the post from which he was unceremoniously dumped in March on condition he was given a free hand. Chernomyrdin demanded "total personal control over the nomination of all members of the government, and no interference by the president in the work of the government," the unnamed source told the radio. -- Gregory Schwartz Dept. of Political Science York University 4700 Keele St. Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3 Canada Tel: (416) 736-5265 Fax: (416) 736-5686 Web: http://www.yorku.ca/dept/polisci
