CNN - Yeltsin lays low as campaign winds down

Yeltsin lays low as campaign winds down

Rival Zyuganov sounds alarm on his health

June 30, 1996
Web posted at: 10:00 p.m. EDT

MOSCOW (CNN) -- Russian President Boris Yeltsin continued to dodge the spotlight Sunday, fueling speculation over the state of his health just three days before Russia's pivotal presidential runoff election.
Yeltsin has not been seen in public for four days. By law, Monday is the last day during which he and his rival, Communist Party leader Gennady Zyuganov, may campaign.
Sources in Yeltsin's campaign said the president merely is suffering from a "light cold," and is resting to keep from getting sicker.
Yeltsin did respond Sunday to written questions the Interfax news service, saying those who voted Communist in the first round of the Russian presidential elections were expressing their frustrations with the difficulties of "the new life."
"Those who voted for the Communists on the 16th of June voted not for a return to the past but against the difficulties of the new life," Yeltsin said. "I understand. Today, there is a lot that pains my heart. I understand how today is difficult."
Sounding a nationalistic note, Yeltsin warned that Russia would not tolerate NATO expansion, Western spies or claims on its territory. He said he expected Alexander Lebed, his new National Security Council chief, to have a long tenure.
"He's come to work for a long time," Yeltsin said. "Over time, he can bring order to the country."
Snaring Lebed supporters

Yeltsin hopes to pick up the 15 percent of the vote that Lebed received in the first round of elections, although many Russians say they haven't decided how they'll vote. Yeltsin's aides also worry about turnout.
Over the weekend, Lebed said Russia should reintroduce the post of vice president eliminated in 1993, and suggested that the post would suit a "man of action" such as himself.
He also said there is room in the government for Zyuganov and for ultra-nationalist Vladimir Zhirinovsky. He said the two might occupy the social welfare and employment ministries.
For his part, Zyuganov has tried to capitalize on Yeltsin's health problems by saying that even if Yeltsin only has a cold, it is apparent that Yeltsin is in poor health.
"I understand Mr. Yeltsin's illness is a result of his bad physical condition, but I'm more concerned with his inability to run the country and be responsible for his own words," Zyuganov said Saturday.
The first round of balloting was squeaky close: Yeltsin got 35 percent of the vote; Zyuganov nabbed 32 percent.

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Yeltsin lays low as campaign winds down

Rival Zyuganov sounds alarm on his health

Snaring Lebed supporters

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