YELTSIN SAYS HE WON’T RUN IN 2000.

Russian president Boris Yeltsin confirmed yesterday that he will not run for reelection when his current term expires in 2000. (Russian and western agencies, September 1) The announcement came as no surprise, since Yeltsin is restricted to two terms under Russia’s constitution. But it heightened interest in his likely successor, already a topic of daily interest in the Russian media. Yeltsin is believed to favor First Deputy Prime Minister Boris Nemtsov, but Moscow mayor Yuri Luzhkov and retired general Aleksandr Lebed are also seen as strong contenders.

Chernomyrdin: Economic Recovery Looms in Russia.