The Russian government chief-of-staff confirmed Tuesday that Deputy Economic Development and Trade Minister Andrei Sharonov will resign.

"He has already submitted a resignation letter to the minister," Sergei Naryshkin, who is also deputy prime minister, said.

Naryshkin said he did not know whether Economic Development and Trade Minister German Gref has already submitted Sharonov`s resignation to Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov.

Sharonov`s intention to step down was reported over the weekend by a ministry source, adding that he intended to go into business.

Sharonov has been in charge of the ministry`s administrative reform, formally presenting ministry-sponsored draft laws to both houses of the Russian parliament.
sections: Politics