    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book II)]
    [July 4, 1996]
    [Page 1077]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Russian Presidential Election
    July 4, 1996

        On behalf of the American people, I extend warm congratulations to
    President Yeltsin and to all the citizens of Russia on the successful
    completion of this vigorously contested Presidential election.
    Yesterday's historic vote underscores how far Russia's democratic
    development has progressed in just a few years. While the official
    results have not yet been announced, it is clear that President Yeltsin
    and reform have won a decisive victory.
        The credit for Russia's remarkable achievements over the last 5
    years in developing the institutions of democracy and a market economy
    goes to the citizens of Russia and to their leaders, in particular
    President Yeltsin. The Russian people, through their participation in
    the electoral process, have pronounced themselves firmly in favor of the
    politics and economics of choice.
        From the outset of my administration, the United States has been
    steadfast in its support of political and economic reform in Russia. We
    renew that commitment today as the Russian people move to consolidate
    these gains and complete Russia's integration with the global community.
    Few could have imagined the profound changes in Russia that we have seen
    since 1991. The changes are testimony not only to the progress that has
    been achieved, but to what the future can bring.