Revealing the phone call between Yeltsin - Clinton and predictions about Putin
(Baonghean.vn) - The Bill Clinton library website suddenly published the content of a phone call between former US President Bill Clinton and former Russian President Boris Yeltsin in 1999. In it, the first President of Russia informed Clinton about his choice of successor - Vladimir Putin.
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| Former Russian President Boris Yeltsin and former US President Bill Clinton. Photo: Ria Novosti |
First call
In a phone call on September 8, 1999, former Russian President Yelstin expressed his confidence that the country's new leader would receive support from the people.
Russia's first president admitted that it took him a long time to think and choose his successor in 2000. However, he could not find a suitable candidate.
"Finally, I met him by chance, it was Putin," former President Yeltsin told former President Clinton.
According to Yeltsin, he carefully studied Putin's background, relationships and interests. Since then, Yeltsin realized that this was "a trustworthy person, responsible for his work".
Yeltsin assessed Putin as possessing many good qualities, among them being "self-reliant, strong", and "very sociable".
Russia's first president believes his American counterpart will be convinced of Russia's new leader. "Putin is a highly qualified partner."
Second call
Two months later, on November 19, in a phone call with Bill Clinton, Boris Yeltsin continued to express his confidence that Putin would certainly become president of Russia."No one else but Putin. He will be Yeltsin's successor. He is a democrat and understands the West very well" - Yeltsin firmly answered when Bill Clinton asked about the candidates' ability to win the presidential election. According to Yelstin, Putin possesses "special qualities" and will do everything within the law to win.
Previously, former US President Bill Clinton had the opportunity to talk with Putin at the APEC Summit in Oakland (California, USA). To the US leader at that time, Putin left the impression of being an intelligent person.
"Trust me. Putin will win. You two will have a chance to work together," Yeltsin told Bill Clinton.
Russia's first president affirmed that Vladimir Putin has "great energy and the mind to achieve success".
The transfer of power
Former President Boris Yeltsin appointed Putin as Prime Minister on August 9, 1999, and did not hesitate to call Putin his "successor". Shortly thereafter, on August 16, 1999, the Russian State Duma approved Putin as head of the Government.
The historic transfer of power took place on December 31, 1999, when Yeltsin announced his resignation and nominated Putin to become President.
On March 26, 2000, in the first official round of the Russian presidential election, Vladimir Putin won convincingly.