Classification: NATO
UNCLASSIFIED (Releasable for Internet Transmission)
23 April 2007
PR/CP(2007)041
Statement by the NATO
Secretary General on Boris Yeltsin
I was saddened to learn of
the death of Boris Nikolayevich Yeltsin, First President of the Russian
Federation. President Yeltsin will be remembered for his courage in charting a
new, democratic course for his country. He was also at the forefront of the
effort to overcome the legacy of the Cold War by forging a new relationship
between Russia and the North Atlantic Alliance. This historic effort to set
aside the fears and stereotypes of the past in favour of cooperation in facing
the challenges of the future, enshrined in the NATO-Russia Founding Act that
bears President Yeltsin’s signature, continues to this day.
On behalf of
the North Atlantic Alliance, my deepest condolences go to President Yeltsin’s
family, and to the Russian people.
End of mail