#5
Yeltsin gives high marks to Kremlin successor Putin
December 30, 2001
AFP

Former Russian president Boris Yeltsin lavished praise on his successor, Vladimir Putin, in a television interview, hailing in particular his policy of rapprochement with the West.

The current Russian leader is "an honest and honorable person... with a moral core," Yeltsin told the RTR television channel.

"Under Putin, rapprochement is stronger. That makes me happy, I congratulate myself, it is the right path," he said.

"Without cutting our relations with China, with the East, we must remain friends with the West, so that the smallest differences inherited from the Cold War can be eliminated forever."

Referring to the September 11 attacks in the United States, Yeltsin said they had "opened the eyes" of a lot of people.

"Russia, the evil empire, as it was called, is not the principle danger. No, it is world terrorism. A common fight against it is taking place."

Russia's first president said he feared his country being dragged into a war, "in particular in Afghanistan. We cannot allow it, at any price."

Yeltsin said he meets with Putin "about once a month" for a meeting that forces him to keep up with events in order to be prepared for the exchange of ideas.

"We don't always have the same opinions, that's normal. A new leader, a new way of thinking. He has his opinion and I respect it," said Yeltsin, adding that the two men never argue.

Putin has become a "well-developed leader, a statesmen. It is not by chance that he is respected both here and throughout the world. I also respect him."

Questioned about his poor health, Yeltsin, who is 70, said he feels "much better this year," and no longer suffers from the stress caused by his duties as president.

He said German doctors who examined him in Berlin recently said his health was "very good."

Yeltsin, who appeared relaxed, smiling and slightly tanned, said that on December 31, he is to play Died Moroz, Russia's version of Santa Claus, and hand out presents to his family.

Russia's Orthodox church follows the Julian calendar and celebrates Christmas day in early January.