Clinton: No Russian Destabilization

WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, Sept. 25) -- President Bill Clinton, a strong backer of ailing Russian President Boris Yeltsin, says he does not believe that Yeltsin's continuing health problems will lead to a political destabilization in Russia.

Clinton said earlier this week that the Russians have "come a long way in developing the constitutional mechanisms of authority and have worked out the relationships" that will be in effect between President Yeltsin and Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin.

Clinton said the U.S. has regular contact with Chernomyrdin and Russia's foreign minister and he "feels comfortable right now that our relationship will proceed on normal course."

Yeltsin's heart bypass surgery has been postponed six to 10 weeks because his heart muscle is damaged, and doctors said today he must remain hospitalized while it heals.

The Communist-led opposition wants Yeltsin to step down because of his health problems.

Clinton: No Russian Destabilization

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