NEMTSOV TO LEAVE HIS POST OF SPS CO-CHAIRMAN

MOSCOW, January 20, 2004. (RIA Novosti) - Co-chairman of the Union of Right Forces Boris Nemtsov intends to leave his post in the SPS. He spoke about it at the news conference in Moscow and said that he would announce his resignation at the SPS congress this weekend.

"At the congress I will resign as the party's leader and will become a rank-and-file member of the SPS next week," said Nemtsov. He did not explain the reasons behind the decision.

At the same time he said that the discussions at the congress would be difficult. Among other topics, its participants will analyse the situation in the run-off of the coming presidential elections.

"Some of the SPS members support Irina Khakamada, others call for voting against all, and still others support the incumbent head of the state," said Boris Nemtsov.

"The discussions will be serious and deep," forecasts Nemtsov.

SPS co-chairman Irina Khakamada nominated herself for the presidency at the end of December.

The presidential elections have been scheduled for March 14, this year.