CHUBAIS REPLACES YEGOROV AS PRESIDENTIAL CHIEF OF STAFF

President Yeltsin replaced hardline Chief of Staff Nikolai Yegorov with the reformer Anatolii Chubais on 15 July, Russian agencies reported. The move completes the rout of the hardliners within Yeltsin's inner circle following the election and the ascendance of more liberal figures. Chubais will also take over the post of first presidential aide, formerly held by Viktor Ilyushin who is expected to become a deputy prime minister. Chubais served as the linchpin of Yeltsin's economic reform program until January when he was sacked as first deputy prime minister and then played a key role in coordinating Yeltsin's reelection campaign, particularly the financial aspects. - Robert Orttung