[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992-1993, Book II)]
[November 30, 1992]
[Page 2170]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on the President's Telephone 
Conversation With President Boris Yeltsin of Russia
November 30, 1992

    The President called President Boris Yeltsin of Russia today on the 
eve of the Congress of People's Deputies meeting in Moscow. They 
discussed the situation in Russia and U.S.-Russian relations.
    The President reaffirmed to President Yeltsin the strong and 
unequivocal U.S. support for efforts to promote democracy and economic 
reform in Russia. The President made it clear that the United States 
will not waver in its firm support for the Russian Government.
    The United States and its Western partners have a unique and 
historic opportunity to construct a democratic peace in Europe as we 
approach a new century. Russia is pivotal to that opportunity, and the 
United States has committed itself to building a new partnership with 
Russia based on a shared commitment to ending the arms race, cooperation 
in resolving regional disputes, and strong Western economic support for 
Russia's reforms. The President supports the continuation of concerted 
and ambitious Western efforts to assist the Russian people in building a 
democratic society and in integrating their economy and future with the 
West. The President therefore believes it is imperative for the United 
States and other countries to do everything possible to support the 
Russian Government at this critical time.