    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 17 (Monday, April 30, 2007)]
    [Page 514]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Statement on the Death of
    Boris Yeltsin

    April 23, 2007

        Laura and I are deeply saddened by the death of former Russian
    President Boris Yeltsin. President Yeltsin was an historic figure who
    served his country during a time of momentous change. He played a key
    role as the Soviet Union dissolved, helped lay the foundations of
    freedom in Russia, and became the first democratically elected leader in
    that country's history. I appreciate the efforts that President Yeltsin
    made to build a strong relationship between Russia and the United
    States. We offer our sincerest condolences to the Yeltsin family and to
    the Russian people.