RUSSIA: PRESIDENT YELTSIN ATTENDS MEMORIAL TO RUSSIAN SAINTS скачать в хорошем качестве

RUSSIA: PRESIDENT YELTSIN ATTENDS MEMORIAL TO RUSSIAN SAINTS

(8 May 1997) Russian/Eng/Nat President Yeltsin on Thursday attended a ground breaking ceremony for a memorial to Russian saints. He also put flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to celebrate Victory Day, using the occasion to blast NATO's plans of eastward expansion. Yeltsin appealed to would-be members to think twice before joining the Western Alliance. His criticism seems to be directed at people at home, as the left opposition proclaimed May 9, normally celebrated as Victory Day in Russia, a day of action against NATO. President Yeltsin took part in the dedication of a new memorial to two Russian saints -- Gleb and Boris. It is not known if it is a mere coincidence but Yeltsin's two grandsons are also called Gleb and Boris. Yeltsin has never been a religious person, but in today's Russia, high-ranking officials are expected to attend major church services and other religious ceremonies. In a more traditional public appearance Thursday morning, Yeltsin laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to mark the end of World War Two. Victory Day, usually observed on May 9, is a big holiday in Russia. But Friday the communist opposition wants to hold mass rallies against NATO, marking the start of its nation-wide anti-NATO campaign. The Russian president, who wants to sign an agreement with NATO later this month, used the occasion to criticise the plans and try to win concessions from the Western Alliance. In his last-ditch attempt to reach a compromise, Yeltsin urged NATO countries not to deploy additional armaments, including nuclear weapons, on the territories of new member states. This remains a sticking point in the ongoing talks between NATO and Russian officials. SOUNDBITE: (Russian) "We oppose their plans to deploy troops and armaments on the territories of new NATO members, including, of course, primarily nuclear weapons." SUPER CAPTION: Boris Yeltsin, Russian President In remarks aimed at the domestic audience, Yeltsin insisted the signing of the agreement doesn't mean Russia agrees to the NATO enlargement. SOUNDBITE: (Russian) "Our viewpoint remains: we oppose NATO's eastward expansion. We are calling on all sensible forces and especially the Europeans to be very and very cautious today, so that no new bloc is established." SUPER CAPTION: Boris Yeltsin, Russian President NATO's plans are opposed by all political forces in Russia, from nationalists to communists to pro-government groups. They see NATO plans as a threat to Russia's security. SOUNDBITE: (Russian) "No agreements. NATO is an enemy. NATO means war. It is the same as the Molotov- Ribbentrop pact. Just for two years. We sign the agreement in 1997, the war will begin in 1999." SUPER CAPTION: Vladimir Zhirinovsky, Russian ultranationalist Paying tribute to Russia's victory over Nazi Germany, members of parliament members and other government officials laid flowers near a statue to wartime hero Georgy Zhukov. In many people's minds, the name of Zhukov is associated with Russia's victory and military might, as opposed to today's disarray and weak leadership. Russian democrats believe the main reason why NATO wants to expand eastward in the first place is the unpredictable character of the Russian government's policy. SOUNDBITE: (English) "What we see today in the Russian government is something like a mess. Nothing is clear. Different statements from different people. There is no common line. That is the main reason why NATO is expanding." SUPERCAPTION: Grigory Yavlinsky, democratic lawmaker Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...