New minister at economy post: Viktor Suslov (08/03/97)

New minister at economy post: Viktor Suslov

by Khristina Lew
Kyiv Press Bureau

KYIV - Some among Ukraine's political elite view the appointment of Viktor Suslov to the post of minister of the economy as a catalyst to cooperation in the economic sphere between the Cabinet of Ministers and the Verkhovna Rada.

Others, like Vyacheslav Chornovil, head of Rukh, view it as the government's movement "leftward."

The 42-year-old Mr. Suslov is chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Banking and Finance, and belongs to the Agrarian parliamentary group. He served as chief consultant to the Office of the President until 1993 and advisor to the prime minister in March 1993-June 1994.

An ethnic Russian, Mr. Suslov completed post-graduate studies in economics at Kharkiv University, and lectured at the Odesa Institute of National Economy and in Mozambique.

"Suslov distinguishes himself as competent in economic matters and one who adheres to reforms. He will strengthen the government bloc in charge of the economy," said Anatolii Halchynskyi, deputy head of the presidential administration and presidential advisor on economic policy. "His appointment was a smart move on the part of the president and the prime minister."

"Ukraine's economic situation has never been more difficult," the newly appointed economics minister told the Interfax-Ukraine news agency on July 25. "It demands intensive and coordinated work inside the government, and interaction with the presidential administration, the Verkhovna Rada and the National Bank of Ukraine."

The three main tasks that Mr. Suslov has set for himself in his new post is to establish a "normal relationship with the National Bank of Ukraine," clear up the situation with subsidies and artificially low prices to ensure the real cost of goods, and find money to pay overdue pensions and wages.

He said he will focus on creating a favorable climate for foreign investment, but added that he advocates "moderate, reasonable protectionism."

As for Ukraine's dealings with the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, Mr. Suslov said he would "carefully examine the recommendations of international financial organizations," but in making decisions he would proceed in "Ukraine's national interests."

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