WASHINGTON -The Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki Commission), Congressman Alcee Hastings (D-FL), today made the following statement on the death of Boris Yeltsin, former president of the Russian Federation.
“It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of former President Boris Yeltsin. I am sure I speak for all the members of the Helsinki Commission when I say that we join with millions of others in Russia and throughout the world in mourning the loss of the first freely-elected president of the Russian Federation and an honored world leader.
Mr. Yeltsin was a man of the people who rose up to lead his nation through a time of tumult and crisis. The American people will long remember him for his courage and determination in defending Russia against the forces of reaction and for his desire to see Russia a free and democratic member of the international community.
We extend our deepest sympathy to the Yeltsin family and to the Russian people on their loss. “
