    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book II)]
    [November 5, 1996]
    [Pages 2079-2080]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Russian President Boris Yeltsin's Heart Surgery
    November 5, 1996

        President Yeltsin underwent heart bypass surgery today in Moscow. On
    behalf of the American people, I want to convey our very best wishes for
    his full and speedy recovery. Our

    [[Page 2080]]

    thoughts are also with Mrs. Yeltsin and the Yeltsin family.
        We are pleased to see the reports that the surgery was a success. I
    have spoken with Prime Minister Chernomyrdin, who confirmed that the
    operation went well, and who expressed gratitude for the assistance
    provided to the Russian doctors by Dr. DeBakey and his team.
        Over the last 4 years, the United States and Russia have taken
    important steps to build a safer, more peaceful world. We look forward
    to continuing the close work between our two countries as we lay the
    foundation for a bright new century.