[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 32, Number 27 (Monday, July 8, 1996)]
[Page 1195]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on the Results of the Russian 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.