MOSCOW. April 23 (Interfax) - Alexander Rutskoi, Russian Vice President during Boris Yeltsin's rule and later Yeltsin's political opponent, has expressed condolences following the death of the first Russian president and praised his contribution to the development of free Russia.

"First of all, I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the relatives and close friends of Boris Nikolayevich. This tragic news gave came as a shock," Rutskoi told Interfax on Monday.

Yeltsin was a "healthy and sociable man," Rutskoi said.

"I am sure Yeltsin will be remembered as the man who brought people freedom and restored historical justice, making Russia free and independent," he said.