First Deputy Head of the Yabloko faction Sergei Ivanenko, in his comment on the resignation of the head of the Central Bank of Russia Viktor Geraschenko, noted that it was an "expected decision" by the President of Russia.

In an interview with journalists held on Friday, March 15, 2002, Sergei Ivanenko said that Viktor Geraschenko "coped very successfully his responsibilities as Head of the Central Bank and guaranteed the implementation of the main task - to maintain the stability of the national currency." However, Ivanenko added that changes in the leadership and policies of the Central Bank are attributable to objective factors, in particular, the need to "overcome some stereotypes", as well as rapid decision-making and resolution of "old problems".

The Deputy Head of the Yabloko faction also expressed his hope that the changes in the leadership of the Central bank will improve the situation. Ivanenko added that the adoption by the State Duma of the Russian Federation of amendments to the law "On the Central Bank of Russia" will also play a positive role. On Friday the State Duma began considering the amendments to the law in the second reading. Ivanenko thinks that "finally this law will be able to have a positively impact on the monetary policy" of Russia.

Based on Interfax reports.