[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
[December 31, 1999]
[Pages 2352-2353]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on the Resignation of President Boris Yeltsin of Russia
December 31, 1999

    Today President Yeltsin ends his historic tenure as Russia's first 
democratically elected President.
    Under his leadership, since 1991, the Russian people have faced the 
unprecedented challenge of creating new institutions and building a new 
life after decades of corrosive Communist rule. His lasting achievement 
has been dismantling that Communist system and building new political 
institutions under democratically elected leaders within a 
constitutional framework. The fact that Prime Minister Putin assumes responsibility today as Acting President in 
accordance with the constitution is but the latest example of this 
achievement.

[[Page 2353]]

    The relationship between the United States and Russia under 
President Yeltsin has produced genuine progress for both our people. 
Five thousand strategic nuclear weapons have been dismantled, and our 
nuclear weapons no longer are targeted at each other. We have worked 
together to eliminate nuclear weapons from the other states of the 
former Soviet Union. Russia has withdrawn its troops from the Baltic 
nations. Now its troops are serving alongside Americans to maintain the 
peace in the Balkans, and Russia was instrumental in achieving peace in 
Kosovo. We have also had our differences, such as on Chechnya. But 
President Yeltsin and my starting point has always been how Russia and 
America can work together to advance our common interests. In this 
spirit, I look forward to working with Acting President Putin as the Russian people begin the process of making 
the transition from one democratically elected President to another.
    To President Yeltsin, let me convey my appreciation for the work we 
have done together. Hillary and I extend our warmest wishes to you and 
your family.

Note: The statement referred to Prime Minister Vladimir Putin who became 
Acting President on President Yeltsin's resignation.