President and PM deny conflict over appointment of new Finance Minster

Prime Minister Leszek Miller and President Aleksander Kwasniewski moved on Monday to crush speculation that last week's cabinet reshuffle opened up a rift between them. The appointment of new finance, justice and culture ministers, as well as strengthening Miller's hand, has placated the gr assroots of his Democratic Left Alliance (SLD), which had grown restless amid a sharp slide in support. In appointing Kolodko as Finance Minister, Miller has reduced the influence of the more moderate president. Sources close to Kwasniewski said he had lobbied behind the scenes against the appointment, but lacked the constitutional authority to block it. Miller and Kwasniewski, in radio interviews said that there would be no dramatic changes in policy. "Miller's decisions point in the right direction, towards focusing on vital issues and avoiding conflicts," Kwasniewski told private Radio Zet. Meanwhile Premier Miller said that Kolodko should be given time to formulate a policy strategy. In his first public comments as minister, Kolodko said, "My last term as finance minister is remembered for growing production and falling inflation", "Now I want to be remembered for im proving living conditions and raising competitiveness", "We must boost growth while working to stabilize state finances". (Reuters)