Dismissal of Stepashin

Boris Yeltsin in his televised address said by his decree he has declared December 19 as the date for elections. He asked Russian to watch with special attention - and even with partiality - the behavior of candidates. The President expressed the confidence that "your representatives will be worthy and decent people." Yeltsin recalled that apart from the parliamentary elections a presidential election is impending and noted that he has found the "man who can consolidate society." This is V. Putin. Yeltsin is convinced that Putin, "working at this post, will do a lot for the good of the country and Russian citizens, and everyone will be able to appreciate his talents." Yeltsin has faith in him, but would like everybody to have faith in him that will come to the polling stations. Yeltsin said that he had attentively observed him when Putin was the vice-mayor of St. Petersburg. Further in Yeltsin_s address came the classical standard text of a reference for entry into CPSU membership. Noteworthy is the phrase that Putin has "an enormous experience in state work." At the end of the address, there were a few good farewell words for Stepashin and his government. Yeltsin characterized the situation as a whole as "a new political stage in the life of Russia."