BBC News Online: World: Europe

Moldova's PM-designate withdraws

The man nominated last week as prime minister-designate of Moldova, Valeriu Bobutac, has withdrawn his candidacy.

No reason has been given for his decision.

President Lucinschi had given Mr Bobutac two weeks to name his government and draft a political programme.

Mr Bobutac was nominated to succeed Ion Sturza, whose government resigned after the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund suspended aid to Moldova.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service