Nemtsov favours 3rd Yeltsin term

The Russian first deputy prime minister, Boris Nemtsov, has said it would be beneficial for Russia if President Yeltsin stood for a third term in office.

Speaking in a radio interview , Mr Nemtsov said this was a possibility and would have a stabilising effect on the country.

He said he would not be a candidate himself in the elections due in the year 2000.

Mr Yeltsin has repeatedly denied that he plans to run again.

A BBC correspondent says Mr Nemtsov's statement may be a way of showing he remains on good terms with the president, after Mr Yeltsin criticised the government on his return from holiday this week.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service