Tributes pour in for Boris Yeltsin

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World hails Yeltsin as courageous but flawed figure. 24/04/2007. ABC News Online

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World leaders have paid tribute to former Russian president Boris Yeltsin as a flawed but heroic figure who defended a fledgling democracy after the traumatic collapse of the Soviet Union.

Mr Yeltsin, who has died of a heart attack at the age of 76, was lauded as a hugely influential reformer, despite a mixed final legacy and a reputation for hard living that contributed to his long-term ill-health.

The Kremlin says Mr Yeltsin will be buried on Wednesday (local time) in Moscow, declaring it a day of national mourning.

US President George W Bush released a statement saying Mr Yeltsin was an historic figure who served his country during a time of momentous change.

"He played a key role as the Soviet Union dissolved, helped lay the foundations of freedom in Russia and became the first democratically elected leader in that country's history," Mr Bush said.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair described the former president was a "remarkable" man who fearlessly championed democracy and economic reform.

"In defending that reform he played a vital role at a crucial time in Russia's history," Mr Blair said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed Mr Yeltsin as the man who gave birth to "a newly democratic Russia".

Mr Yeltsin would always be remembered as the first president of the post-Soviet Russian Federation, Mr Putin said.

Under Mr Yeltsin, "a newly democratic Russia was born, and a free nation opened to the world. A state where power really rests with the people," he said.

Mr Putin said Mr Yeltsin was instrumental in drawing up a new constitution for Russia with human rights at the forefront and ensuring freedom of thought and free elections.

He was definitely one-of-a-kind. A flawed diamond. I will never forget the footage of him standing on the tank near the Russian White House while stopping the attempted coup by communist hardliners. But I will also always remember him as a real showman with the scenes of him dancing (usually under the influence of a little too much Vodka).

He really did make the world a better place - without him Russia could have fallen back into communist rule and the Cold War would have carried on.

Sgt Schultz · Joined: Dec 07, 2002 Posts: 7378 Location: St. Louis area

He was an important part of the the transition from the end of the Soviet Union to what Russia is now. You're right, that scene of him on the tank during that crisis is an iconic event in the history of Russia. May he RIP.

Strangecat · Joined: Mar 30, 2007 Posts: 9

Yes, it is the truth. It was the great person. Owing to him Russia became free. I think 90's someone have helped, and someone have broken a life during a default of 1998.