[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992-1993, Book II)]
[January 2, 1993]
[Page 2222]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



[[Page 2222]]


Remarks at a State Dinner Hosted by President Boris Yeltsin of Russia in 
Moscow
January 2, 1993

    President Yeltsin and members of the Russian Government, friends, 
all, Americans and Russians, we are here for an historic occasion. I 
believe that this is a moment that history will record most positively 
as we sign that treaty. As I prepare to leave the Presidency, I bid 
farewell to a man for whom I have enormous respect, a man whose courage 
captured the imagination of every single American as he stood on a 
Russian tank and straddled Russian history, steering it toward a 
democratic future. His voice spoke loudly for freedom through the chaos 
of change, and it spoke softly of friendship through the static of a 
long distance telephone line, a patriot who silenced the guns of August, 
President Boris Yeltsin.
    Mr. President, as you so eloquently stated, there is now a new U.S.-
Russian partnership built together, affirming our dedication to a 
democratic peace in Europe and, indeed, to a global peace. The two 
powers that once divided the world have now come together to make it a 
better and safer place. Mr. President, we've come together again this 
weekend amid a Moscow winter to sign the most significant arms reduction 
treaty ever.
    All of us, sir, wish you and your colleagues well on the bold 
reforms that you've undertaken. Reform is never easy, and this we 
understand. But your people do not run away from a challenge. And in 
this challenge, America will stay with you, shoulder to shoulder.
    May I simply say a word about my successor, President-elect Clinton. 
I am confident that what we do tomorrow is of tremendous importance to 
him, and I am confident that you will find him a 100-percent partner in 
working for this U.S.-Russian relationship that we treasure so much.
    I salute everybody in this room and elsewhere who had a hand in 
completing this historic treaty. I raise my glass to toast a strong 
future between Russia and the United States, to toast President and Mrs. 
Yeltsin, dear friends, and to toast this new year, a new year of hope, 
freedom, and peace for the Russian people.
    Good luck and may God bless you all.

                    Note: The President spoke at approximately 7:05 p.m. 
                        in the Winter Garden Room at the Kremlin. A tape 
                        was not available for verification of the 
                        content of these remarks.