DATE=12/31/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=RUSSIA / YELTSIN (L)
NUMBER=2-257644
BYLINE=EVE CONANT
DATELINE=MOSCOW
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Russian President Boris Yeltsin has announced
he is stepping down and handing over powers to
Russia's Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. V-O-A Moscow
correspondent Eve Conant reports early presidential
elections in Russia will be held within 90 days and
are likely to benefit the already popular Mr. Putin.
TEXT: Looking pale and speaking slowly, President
Boris Yeltsin says it is time for him to go.
///ACT YELTSIN IN RUSSIAN IN FULL AND FADE UNDER///
He says, "Today for the last time I will address you
as the President of Russia. I have made a painful
decision." He says "Today, on the last day of the
outgoing century, I will resign."
Mr. Yeltsin explained he would not, in his words,
"cling to power for another six months."
Presidential elections were originally scheduled for
next June. But following the resignation, Russia's
Constitution says new elections must be held within 90
days. Early elections in March are expected to benefit
Prime Minister - and now acting President - Vladimir
Putin, architect of the Chechnya offensive and
presently Russia's most popular politician.
///SECOND ACT YELTSIN IN RUSSIAN IN FULL AND FADE
UNDER///
Mr. Yeltsin says, "this is an important precedent in
Russia - a civilized, voluntary transfer of power." He
says, "Russia needs to enter the new millennium with
new faces, energetic leaders. We who have held power
for many years must leave."
Boris Yeltsin's eight tumultuous years as Russia's
leader were marred by health problems, allegations of
corruption, fighting in Chechnya and economic decline.
In an unusually personal statement, Mr. Yeltsin asked
Russians to forgive him for the mistakes of his
administration.
///THIRD ACT YELTSIN IN RUSSIAN IN FULL AND FADE
UNDER///
He says, "I want to beg forgiveness for our dreams
that never came true, for what seemed so easy but
turned out to be so hard." He goes on to say, "I want
to apologize if I failed to meet your hopes. We could
not in one jump leave our totalitarian past for a
bright, civilized future. In some ways I was too
naive."
At one point in the speech Mr. Yeltsin wiped away a
tear in his eye. He said he believed Russia would not
return to its authoritarian past and was ready to move
ahead democratically into the new millennium.
///FOURTH ACT YELTSIN IN RUSSIAN IN FULL AND FADE
UNDER///
"Many people said I would hold on to power by all
means necessary," he says, "but that is all lies. I
have always said that I would follow the
Constitution."
Russian news agencies report Mr. Yeltsin has already
handed over control of Russia's nuclear arsenal to
Vladimir Putin. Mr. Putin cancelled a planned trip to
St. Petersburg Friday to remain in Moscow and meet
with government leaders. Mr. Yeltsin ended his speech
saying Russians deserved happiness and stability, and
wished the nation a Happy New Year. (Signed)
NEB/EC/GE/JO
31-Dec-1999 07:23 AM EDT (31-Dec-1999 1223 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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