Moscow - The Russian premier-designate, Mr Sergei Stepashin, launched intense consultations with political leaders yesterday amid growing signs that deputies would confirm him in office to avoid a new clash with the Kremlin.
Following their humiliating failure at the weekend to impeach President Boris Yeltsin, deputies have little appetite for a fresh clash with the head of state over his choice of cabinet chief, commentators said.
As Mr Stepashin prepared for his first major political outing as acting premier - he was to outline his economic plans to the upper house Federation Council later Monday - leading figures indicated that tomorrow's confirmation was assured.
