GO FOR THE GUSTOV…

President Yeltsin dismissed First Deputy Prime Minister Vadim Gustov, nominally in charge of regional affairs, and replaced him with Sergei Stepashin, who retains his position as Interior Minister as well. Kremlinologists (like the bald eagle, an endangered species which has made a remarkable recovery) say the move is directed at Prime Minister Primakov. According to Russian law, if a prime minister steps down or is fired, the president can appoint a deputy to serve as acting prime minister for two months without confirmation. Elevating Yeltsin loyalist Stepashin to a deputy’s slot gives the president an option he did not have before. Pro-Primakov Duma deputies will have to factor that in as they contemplate a vote to impeach the president, scheduled for May 13.