Ban Ki-moon expresses sadness at death of former Russian leader Yeltsin

Voicing sadness today at the death of Boris Yeltsin, the Russian Federation’s first democratically elected president, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon recalled the critical role he played in promoting political and economic reforms in his country.

Mr. Ban also remembered the efforts of Mr. Yeltsin – who served as president from 1991 to 1999 – “in fostering rapprochement between East and West,” his spokesperson said in a statement issued at UN Headquarters in New York.

“The Secretary-General extends his heartfelt condolences to Mr. Yeltsin’s family and to the people and Government of the Russian Federation.”