Russian leader basks at summit's head table
Yeltsin joins U.S., other world leaders
In this story:June 20, 1997
- Crowd chants 'Boris! Boris!'
- Clinton meets with Chirac, Prodi
- Yeltsin opens discussion at the banquet
Web posted at: 9:50 p.m. EDT (0150 GMT)DENVER (CNN) -- Russia was formally inducted into the "Summit of the Eight" Friday when President Boris Yeltsin joined other world leaders for three days of talks on political and economic issues.
President Clinton called it a "hopeful moment for the world," and praised Yeltsin for his "vision and persistence" in pursuing democracy and other reforms after seven decades of communism.
"I'm very positive about this and very pleased with this summit and pleased with the emergence of Russia as a leader in all these world institutions," Clinton said.
Yeltsin joined Clinton and leaders from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan, a group that had been known as the G-7, or Group of Seven. But with Russia's participation, Clinton renamed it the Summit of the Eight.
The leaders met privately first at the Brown Palace Hotel, then attended a courtyard reception Friday evening at the colonial mansion of Colorado Gov. Roy Romer. A western-style banquet followed.
"What you see here is a sweeping integration of Russia into the major decision-making institutions in the world in a way that is very positive for the rest of us," Clinton said.
Crowd chants 'Boris! Boris!'
Although his country is struggling economically and is not a member of NATO, it was clear from Yeltsin's vigorous and animated manner that he was pleased to be included.
On his way to meet with Clinton before the summit began, Yeltsin stepped from his limousine and was greeted with chants of "Boris! Boris!" by a crowd outside the hotel.
Yeltsin looked fit and in good spirits, and reached enthusiastically for Clinton's hand when photographers suggested a handshake.
"Of course we want to be a full member" of the summit, Yeltsin said in answer to a question, and got swift, positive reassurance from Clinton.
Yeltsin also announced proudly that Russia had become a member of the so-called Paris Club, a group of wealthy countries that negotiates debt terms with developing nations. Its inclusion will give Russia leverage to press for payment of loans from Cuba, Iraq, Iran and other debtor nations.
Yeltsin also met separately with Japan's Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto. They did not, however, discuss the most difficult issue between the two countries: the long-standing territorial dispute over the Kuril Islands. Russia occupied the Japanese-held islands during World War II and has held them since.
Clinton meets with Chirac, Prodi
"We cannot expect to solve this problem today or tomorrow or in the near future," a Japanese Foreign Ministry official said after the talks.
Nevertheless, anxious to put their relationship on better footing, Yeltsin promised the Japanese that Russian missiles would no longer be aimed at Japan.
He made the same promise last month in Paris while meeting with the members of NATO in Paris, but so far it is still only a promise. White House officials say the Russians are still in the process of "de-targeting" their missiles.
Clinton met privately with French President Jacques Chirac and Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi, both of whom are unhappy with Clinton's insistence on limiting new membership in NATO to Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic.
Chirac wants to include Romania, while Prodi is leading a campaign to include Slovenia.
At a picture-taking session with Clinton, Chirac also expressed concern over the slowdown in Mideast peacemaking. "I am, in fact, worried about the situation," he said.
German Chancellor Helmut Kohl brought a proposal for a World Environmental Organization, a new U.N. agency that would oversee international environmental agreements.
Yeltsin opens discussion at the banquet
At the banquet Friday evening, Yeltsin was invited to lead off the discussion, a gesture acknowledging Russia's reforms and its desire to participate in international economic and political institutions.
It also gave Yeltsin a taste of international prestige, something almost unimaginable six months ago. The Russian president had a heart attack and other health problems, and was on the verge of being removed from office over widespread doubts about his leadership.
On Friday, he said his health problems caused him to lose 66 pounds (30 kilos), but that he feels better for it.
"My brain is always moving fast," he said. "Now my body is moving with more energy, too."
The primary issues to be discussed during the summit are terrorism, drug smuggling, nuclear proliferation, the environment, aid to Africa and China's takeover of Hong Kong. Other topics include the future of Bosnia, the spread of infectious diseases and the aging populations in the eight countries.
Correspondent Wolf Blitzer and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Related stories:
- G7 set to tackle the world - June 20, 1997
- Attending Summit, Clinton Touts U.S. Economy - June 19, 1997
- Yeltsin upbeat as world leaders convene economic summit - June 19, 1997
- World leaders descend on Denver - June 19, 1997
- Denver reaches for its historic roots to revitalize downtown - June 18, 1997
Related sites:
Note: Pages will open in a new browser window
- Welcome To The G7 Denver Summit Information Page
- UTLink: University of Toronto G7 Information Centre
External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.
Sound off on our message boards
Tell us what you think!
You said it...
© 1997 Cable News Network, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.