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.

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