DEPUTY PREMIER TO DISCUSS ADMINISTRATIVE REFORM WITH FRADKOV

MOSCOW, March 1st, 2004 (RIA Novosti) - Regardless of the government-related developments, Russia's administrative reform should be completed. This is the opinion that acting Vice Premier Boris Alyoshin voiced in an interview with reporters on Monday. Mr. Alyoshin is in charge of the administrative reform.

"Large-scale projects have been launched, and it would be incorrect for me to link my position with a certain candidate," Mr. Alyoshin said. "I should fulfill my civil duty and complete the reform, which is why I came to work in the government," stressed Mr. Alyoshin.

According to him, the reform should not be adjusted to any specific personality. "At least, [former prime minister] Mikhail Kasyanov and I had such an agreement," said the acting vice premier.

At the same time, Mr. Alyoshin expects to meet Mr. Fradkov on Tuesday. "Today President Vladimir Putin said that "we need to discuss the new government structure with Mr. Fradkov," said Mr. Alyoshin. "I think that I will meet Mr. Fradkov tomorrow afternoon and discuss the government structure with due account for proposals on the administrative reform."