III. Statement by President Boris Nikolayevich Yeltsin of the Russian Federation

1. Political issues

President Boris Yeltsin: Distinguished Prime Minister, ladies and gentlemen, the l9th meeting of the Group of Seven has taken place. At the last Munich meeting, there were financial and economic assistance being given to the process of reform. But in terms of scale those measures were rather small. In the year that has passed, relations with Russia have changed. We have moved along toward a democratic and free market economy. However, the process of change has been a difficult one. The seriousness of the situation in Russia has made it possible for the Group of Seven to understand the possible outcome of such reforms and the importance of it for the world. There are new programs in support of reforms in Russia. Of course, our negotiations and conversations today have been at a different level. Naturally, in the civil society, about 20 million people have been involved in privatized enterprises. There are half a million privatized enterprises already. There are professional and religious groups and are all working, and a vast gamut of groups in society are involved in the work on the constitution. Naturally, Russia has to find a situation of law in keeping with the constitution and in the interests of democracy, and also in keeping with the democratic practice of the G-7 in a democratic society. A democratic Russia is a major factor in the stability of the world. Naturally, the economic stability is important too. Potentially, Russia has a considerable political potential with regard to the area that used to be the former Soviet Union. The G-7 faces a considerable complexity in the economic situation, but this should not dissuade those who are in favor of Russia. At Tokyo we have seen that there is a partnership that is being formed for the long term. Russia is ready to cooperate throughout the vast range of possible spheres of cooperation in keeping with the appropriate declaration. We must strengthen peace in all regions of the world, and humanity must be helped and assisted in its fight against terrorism. We must get rid of weapons of mass destruction. We must actively participate in the process of settling crises such as that in Yugoslavia and other parts of the world. This we have proved in deed, not merely in words. I would like to note the importance of protecting national minority rights in the newly formed States where the Russian- speaking population is subjected to discrimination.

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