Brussels / Strasbourg, 03/01/2000 (Agence Europe) -Commenting on the resignation of President Yeltsin, The High Representative for CFSP, Javier Solana stated that: "over the last few years, I have come to appreciate Mr. Yeltsin's role as a factor of stability. He made Russia a much closer partner of the West. He has played a central role in Russia's transition towards democracy and free market economy under very difficult circumstances. The EU wants to continue to build a solid partnership with Russia. To this end, we are ready to work closely with Mr. Yeltsin's successor. We are satisfied that constitutional provisions have been followed in giving Mr. Putin the mandate to lead the country towards the next presidential elections" (these are scheduled for 26 mars: Ed).
As for the Commission President, Romano Prodi, he addressed a message to Putin in which he affirms that: "I am convinced that Russia will have a successful and democratic transition to a new Presidency. I recall with great pleasure our meeting in Helsinki in October, and I'm looking forward to further reinforece cooperation between Russia and the European Commission within the framework of the existing Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. I am also confident that you will do your utmost to end, as soon as possible, the hostilities in Chechnya and pave the way for a full compliance with the international community's legitimate concern for the situation of the civilian population and for the respect of human rights in the Northern Caucasus. The European Commission reaffirms its readiness to provide humanitarian assistance to the region. I hope to get the chance very soon to discuss with you in person the different aspects of our cooperation.
Moreover, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Walter Schwimmer, recalled that Boris Yeltsin had been President of the Russian Federation when the latter joined the 41-member organisation on 28 February 1996 and that Russia had, through this accession, made "substantial commitments" for the respect of human rights, respect for the rule of law and pluralistic democracy. Schwimmer was also convinced that Russia will continue to honour these commitments and hoped in particular that the campaign preceding the Presidential elections would be fair and democratic.
President Clinton also reaffirmed his willingness to work with Putin in a telephone conversation with the acting Russian President.