[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 1 (Monday, January 10, 2000)]
[Page 2]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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.
    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 Russia has withdrawn its troops from the Baltic 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: In his statement, the President referred to Prime Minister 
Vladimir Putin, who became Acting President on President Yeltsin's 
resignation. This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.