Communists Oppose Yeltsin’s Nominee

The head of Russia’s Communist Party said his large faction in parliament will oppose President Boris N. Yeltsin’s nominee for prime minister. Gennady A. Zyuganov told the Interfax news agency that he was not convinced of Sergei V. Kiriyenko’s abilities. “We cannot confirm just anyone as the country’s No. 2 leader,” Zyuganov said. “If the president becomes seriously ill, then it will be the premier who takes responsibility for the nuclear ‘briefcase.’ And to trust such an unknown and immature person would be the highest form of irresponsibility.” Yeltsin nominated Kiriyenko, 35, last week after firing the Cabinet.