I declare the resignation of the government of the Russian Federation,

I swear, in exercising my authorities as president of the Russian Federation, to respect and uphold the rights and freedoms of the individual and the citizen.

We are obliged to put an end to the spread of the cancer of terrorism,

The people have already rid themselves of the fear they had several years ago. I call on my compatriots to begin constructive work in order to revive and renew Russia in the name of national...

Such dangers as breach of strategic stability, transnational crime and the spread of nuclear weapons are at this time topical for all European states.

Europe has found itself confronted with fresh challenges – challenges of a global character, the nature of which is directly connected with changes in the international climate and the difficulties of seeking new models for...

I made the decision on the government’s resignation, at the same time having in mind that (Chernomyrdin) will lead the presidential campaign,

We should find a compromise which would suit everyone,

in order to minimize the negative consequences for Russia.

will not allow Kosovo to be touched.

We are well aware from which countries and through which countries the terrorists are receiving support. In the immediate future I shall be calling upon the leaders of these states to put a stop to...

I spoke with him yesterday.

We will meet and discuss the question of how to get out of the situation without getting into a big war,

At large, our approaches are common, but not always so,

Hussein has given his word,

I said before the elections and repeat now — don’t rush to change the portraits. The country has a president and an active president at that.

It is not right for us to think about successors. Kings have successors but we don’t. It is the people that choose.

Let us do everything to…ensure that those tragic events never happen in our land again.

Today I am addressing you for the last time as Russian president. I have made a decision. I have contemplated this long and hard. Today, on the last day of the outgoing century, I am...

We are grateful to those who at difficult times showed solidarity with us, with what the people of Russia are going through, and still are doing so.

Your commanders have ordered you to storm the White House and to arrest me. But I as the elected President of Russia give you the order to turn your tanks and not to fight against...

is doing very little to get Russia out of the present crisis.

must be held to answer for its irresponsible decision.

The use of force and, the more so, the violation of the international law standards, is dangerous and inadmissible,

I’m not convinced otherwise.

We, Russia, are prepared to work with others. I am convinced that stability and security in Europe cannot be considered without taking Russia into account.

Foreign investors should feel confident there will be no collapse of financial markets in Russia,

For us the personal support of Helmut Kohl as a world leader is important… on the basis of this declaration investors will not leave Russia.

The past two years in Russia’s life have been full of stormy political events, great laborious work on reforming the economy, … Soon there were disappointments, too, and unfulfilled hopes. But we’ve never lost the...

With pain I learned about the tragedy that has struck your family, … You have lost the most loyal and devoted friend. Gone is a wonderful person, a beautiful woman, a loving wife and mother.

We don’t appreciate what we have until it’s gone. Freedom is like that. It’s like air. When you have it, you don’t notice it.

There still is a lot of tears and sweat to spend before we identify the forms of business cooperation which are worthy of the two great nations,

It must include competent, fresh people with initiative.

We will bring order both to Dagestan and other republics in the North Caucasus,

It’s not democracy when a dictator is walking around with a sword in his hand. This is inadmissible.

I didn’t know that this strike would be carried out. It turns out the whole world didn’t know it. That is even more dishonorable,

It is especially important to encourage unorthodox thinking when the situation is critical: At such moments every new word and fresh thought is more precious than gold. Indeed, people must not be deprived of the...

Russia is deeply upset by NATO’s military action against sovereign Yugoslavia, which is nothing more than open aggression,

Everybody will pay taxes and there will be no exceptions.

Today, on the last day of the outgoing century, I resign,

It is a significant sum for those who invest in Russia.

We all have an equal interest in stability and security throughout Europe. The years the OSCE has existed, and particularly this year, have given rise to great expectations and at the same time to powerful...

My soul aches when I think about hungry soldiers, unpaid officers and their families, who have been suffering for years without a home of their own,

There should be confidence that investors do not flee but rather come to Russia. The bank and finance ministry have enough reserves today to hold on.

The patience of the public and of the president is not limitless,

Every day new problems which need to be addressed urgently are building up, … Those that already exist are becoming more acute.

Let’s not talk about Communism. Communism was just an idea, just pie in the sky.

I will not step down, I will not resign, … I will work to the end of my term in office under the constitution. In the year 2000, there will be presidential elections under the...

Today is a very responsible moment, since we have been left without a government for two weeks. That means lost money and lost opportunities,

Viktor (Chernomyrdin’s) main advantages are decency, honesty, and thoroughness. I think these qualities will be the decisive argument in the presidential election,