Statement by President of the Republic Tarja Halonen on the death of former President Boris Yeltsin

Office of the President of the Republic of Finland Press Release 23 April 2007

President Boris Yeltsin was of major importance to the development of democracy in Russia. Yeltsin was President of Russia at a time of great change – he could be said to have brought democracy to Russia and defended it in challenging circumstances.

President Yeltsin also had an important role in the development of relations between Finland and Russia.

I have great respect for President Yeltsin’s work in developing Russia and I wish to extend my sympathy to the people of Russia on the death of Boris Yeltsin.