Moscow, 9 April 1997 (RFE/RL) -- Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Oleg Sysuev says he has agreed to add the portfolio of Labor minister to his duties.
Our Moscow correspondent reports that Sysuev made the announcement at a press conference in Moscow today.
Labor Minister Gennady Melikyan, a Cabinet veteran close to prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin, had tenderd his resignation last week. He motivated the move on account of differences of opinion on the conduction and pace of social reforms.
Sysuev, one of the pro-reform new members of the Russian Cabinet, said his appointment follows "intensive consultations." He said he will create a group of experts in the ministry, whose work will focus on the elaboration of social reform measures.
Fuel and Energy minister Pyotr Rodionov also tendered his resignation last week. His replacement is expected to be appointent today. Russian news agencies have said First deputy prime Minister Boris Nemtsov was likely to discuss the issue in his meeting with President Boris Yeltsin today.