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Russia's Tortuous Path to Democracy
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11829 |
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CURRENT ISSUES
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1 / 1994 |
3,395 Words |
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UNITED STATES--Boris Yeltsin had no constitutional authority to suspend the powers of Russia's Parliament yesterday and call early elections. But his bold coup could help consolidate Russian democracy, economic reforms and more respectful relations with former Soviet republics. President Clinton was right to quickly extend American support. . . .
Military leaders will listen to foreign reaction, especially Washington's. Unilateral exercise of executive power is risky and almost never justified. But the legislature had sacrificed its claim to legitimacy; Mr. Yeltsin's moment of decision had arrived. Advocates of freedom can wish him well, provided this is a way station to real democracy.
New York Times
September 22, 1993
PRO AND CON YELTSIN
UNITED STATES--It was easy to understand the way international leaders, from Stockholm to Washington, declared their support for Yeltsin throughout the conflict. From a purely selfish perspective, the West has a very large stake in seeing his government remain in control of the situation. It was not a difficult call to make.
From the point of view of legitimacy, Mr. Yeltsin is a cut above his opponents, as well. He has not once but twice received the endorsement of the Russian people in free and open elections. . . . While the siege of the White House was going on, his cabinet and aides churned out decrees on the market reforms that have been stalled so long by the communist-dominated parliament. . . .
Our continued support will also have to depend on whether the promised elections take place freely and fairly, and whether the results are respected by the government. This matter is far from closed.
Washington Times
October 5, 1993
CZAR BORIS
UNITED STATES--Perhaps Boris Yeltsin is only doing what harsh circumstances compel him to do. Perhaps his commitment to democracy will prevail over opportunistic relapses into an autocratic style. It
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