I decided not to go to the concert because I was tired, and I returned to the hotel to sleep, |
I declare the resignation of the government of the Russian Federation, |
I didn't know that this strike would be carried out. It turns out the whole world didn't know it. That is even more dishonorable, |
I don't like the continuing monopolistic policy of the United States. |
I expect the government ... to carry out a prompt investigation of the causes of the tragedy and find those responsible, |
I have a very low estimate of your work in this direction. I am not satisfied and I have to draw the necessary conclusions, |
I hope that through an open dialogue we will be able to convince those and other countries that their security will not increase by bringing them closer to NATO, |
I made the decision on the government's resignation, at the same time having in mind that (Chernomyrdin) will lead the presidential campaign, |
I said before the elections and repeat now -- don't rush to change the portraits. The country has a president and an active president at that. |
I shouldn't be in the way of the natural course of history. To cling to power for another six months when the country has a strong person worthy of becoming president -- why should I stand in his way? Why should I wait? It's not in my character, |
I swear, in exercising my authorities as president of the Russian Federation, to respect and uphold the rights and freedoms of the individual and the citizen. |
I think these qualities will be decisive during presidential elections in 2000, ... decent, honest and thorough. |
I told NATO and the Americans and the Germans don't push us toward military actions. Otherwise the whole of Europe, or maybe the entire world, will plunge into a war, |
I understand that it's hard for everyone, but one cannot give in to emotions... we'll have to draw lessons from the current crisis and now we'll have to work on overcoming it, |
I want very much for it to be written: `Denver conclusively agrees that the G-7 is transformed into a G-8, |