RIO DE JANEIRO, March 2, 2004 (RIA Novosti correspondent Vladimir Stepanov) - The nomination of Mikhail Fradkov for prime minister is an "interesting" move, which will ensure a tough administrative reform, Russian Audit Chamber chief Sergei Stepashin said in an interview with RIA Novosti in Rio De Janeiro. Mr Stepashin is currently on a tour of Latin American countries.
"Mr Fradkov does not belong to any of the factions or political parties," and he is "a highly professional and a brilliant administrator," according to Mr Stepashin.
"His experience as former foreign trade minister and ambassador to the European Union is important in light of Russia-EU relations and Russia's accession to WTO," said Mr Stepashin.
