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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Vice President


For Immediate Release March 27, 2000
                   STATEMENT BY THE VICE PRESIDENT ON
                     RUSSIAN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

Sunday's presidential election was an important milestone for Russia. I join President Clinton in congratulating President-elect Vladimir Putin on his victory. And I especially congratulate the Russian people, for once again demonstrating their commitment to hard-won democratic freedoms by turning out to vote in such impressive numbers.

The Russian people have put their trust in President-elect Putin to lead them to a more prosperous and stable future. I hope that the President-elect will seize this opportunity to strengthen the foundations of Russia's democracy, economic recovery, and international integration. I also urge Mr. Putin to work toward a lasting political solution in Chechnya. The United States remains committed to supporting Russian efforts to achieve those goals.

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