[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992, Book I)]
[June 17, 1992]
[Page 967]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



[[Page 967]]

Remarks at a Dinner Hosted by President Boris Yeltsin of Russia

June 17, 1992
    Mr. President, thank you for those very kind words. After what you 
did on Capitol Hill today, after that sensational speech--it brought the 
Members of Congress to their feet over and over again--there is 
absolutely no point in my giving a speech tonight. [Laughter]
    What we Americans saw was a true democrat who understood the 
heartbeat of the American people. It came through over and over again, 
your sensitivity on the prisoners, for example, and many other ways.
    I had a note from a very senior person in the communications 
business; I will give him or her plenty of cover by that definition. And 
that note said that in all the time that that person had been in 
Washington, and it's many, many years, there has never been a greater 
day for mankind than yesterday.
    Some of it was clearly the historic agreement on arms control, arms 
reduction. Some of it was perhaps the agreements that we were to sign 
today. But I think much more of it was because that person saw a true 
democrat, a person committed to democracy and freedom, leading the great 
country of Russia. We could identify with that, as I say, and we salute 
you, sir. We know the problems at home are extraordinarily difficult, 
but I think you leave with all of us feeling that you're going to make 
it. Somehow, you and this wonderful group of young leaders you've 
brought with you here to Washington are going to make it.
    Let me simply say in conclusion, we want to be at your side. We want 
to be at your side as you complete the democratic experiment and as you 
move your great country forward.
    And so, may I propose a toast to President Boris Yeltsin and to his 
wonderful wife, to his team that taught us all a great deal about what 
commitment means, and to the friendship between Russia and the United 
States of America that has never, ever been stronger. May God bless your 
country, and may God bless the United States of America, too.

                    Note: The President spoke at 8:05 p.m. at the 
                        Russian Embassy.