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
.