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THE WHITE HOUSE

OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY

For Immediate Release March 20, 1993

U.S. STATEMENT ON THE YELTSIN SPEECH

The United States supports the historic movement toward democracy and free markets in Russia. Russian President Boris Yeltsin is the leader of that process. As Russia's only democraticallyelected national leader, he has our support, as do his reform government, and all reformers throughout the Russian Federation.

President Yeltsin proposes to break the political impasse in Russia by letting the Russian people decide their future. We were encouraged to hear him say that civil liberties will be respected.

We also welcome President Yeltsin's assurance of continuity in Russia's foreign policy. We will work to maintain the close relations between our two countries. The President looks forward to his summit meeting with President Yeltsin in Vancouver on April 3-4. And we will continue to work in concert with our allies to support those in Russia who wish to further reform.

What matters most is that Russia is, and must remain, a democratic country moving toward a market economy. That is the basis for a continued U.S.-Russian partnership, and for a better and more prosperous future for the Russian people.

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