Clinton Applauds Russian Elections

WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, June 17) - President Bill Clinton applauded the presidential election in Russia, saying it appears it had "a substantially high turnout (and) was a free and fairly conducted one."

Clinton said the U.S. looks forward to the runoff between Boris Yeltsin and Gennady Zyuganov and reaffirms its support for democracy and market reforms. He said his administration "will be watching the development of events with great interest."

Clinton called it a "very significant thing for Russia" to have the election, the first chance in 1,000 years for Russians to express themselves on how an elected government has performed.

Said Clinton: "The Russian people are to be complimented, and the Russian leadership is to be complimented, for supporting a constitution and elective process..." The U.S. hopes they will continue to support democracy and reform, he said.

Clinton said there "seems to have been a heavy majority of people who voted for the democratic process and for the path of reform....and that's good news."

Clinton called the process "vigorous" and said it was a real credit to Yeltsin. "He wanted Russia to be a free country that picks its leaders by elections so he's got two reasons to be happy today," Clinton said.

In other news, the White House said Clinton opposes a boycott of Disney by the Southern Baptists over the issue of gay rights. Clinton is a lifelong Southern Baptist. The Baptists are angry that Disney has continued to extend benefits to companions of gay employees and release R-rated movies. Last week, the Southern Baptist convention voted to boycott Disney if it continues these practices.

Related Story:

• Dole Knocks Clinton On FBI Files, Russia Policy -- June 16, 1996

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