He was speaking to media persons after the conclusion of a two-day brainstorming meeting of high-profile experts and analysts, organised by the Public Council on Foreign and Defence Policy.

``I am against that he (Yeltsin) should leave office before his current constitutional term ends, which he must complete,'' Primakov said. ``His stay in power until the end of his term, is very necessary for stability in Russia, so that the parliamentary and presidential elections were held smoothly,'' he declared.

Primakov also denied that there was any `estrangement' between him and Yeltsin.

Those who say there is difference between President and Prime Minister, are simply trying to `drive a wedge' between the Kremlin and the government, he said, referring tothe recent speculation in media that Yeltsin wanted to limit Primakov's growing influence.

In an effort to show he was not marginalised, Yeltsin still convalescing in sanatorium after the treatment of bleeding stomach ulcer in hospital, surprised observes by showing up regularly over the whole week, in his Kremlin office.

About 150 politicians, economists, bankers, entrepreneurs and defence experts participated in the conference to find a `political strategy to end current financial crisis.'