    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1993, Book II)]
    [September 21, 1993]
    [Pages 1553-1554]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Situation in Russia
    September 21, 1993

        From the beginning of my administration, I have given my full
    backing to the historic process of political and economic reform now
    underway in Russia. I remain convinced that democratic reforms and the
    transition to a market economy hold the best hope for a better future
    for the people of Russia.
        The actions announced today by President Yeltsin in his address to
    the Russian people underscore the complexity of the reform process that
    he is leading. There is no question that President Yeltsin acted in
    response to a constitutional crisis that had reached a critical impasse
    and had paralyzed the political process.
        As the democratically elected leader of Russia, President Yeltsin
    has chosen to allow the people of Russia themselves to resolve this
    impasse. I believe that the path to elections for a new legislature is
    ultimately consistent with the democratic and reform course that he has
    charted.
        I called President Yeltsin this afternoon to seek assurances that
    the difficult choices that he faces will be made in a way that ensures
    peace, stability, and an open political process this autumn. He told me
    that it is of the utmost importance that the elections he has called be
    organized and held on a democratic and free

    [[Page 1554]]

    basis.
        In a democracy, the people should finally decide the issues that are
    at the heart of political and social debate. President Yeltsin has made
    this choice, and I support him fully. I have confidence in the abiding
    wisdom of the Russian people to make the right decision regarding their
    own future.