Statement by Mr. Taro Aso, Minister for Foreign Affairs, on the Demise of Mr. Boris Yeltsin, the First President of the Russian Federation

April 24, 2007

1. On hearing of the demise of Mr. Boris Yeltsin, the first President of the Russian Federation, I express condolences to the bereaved family, the Russian Federation and its people, on behalf of the Government of Japan and the Japanese people.

2. Mr. Yeltsin made great efforts to promote the reform policy in a new-born Russia and built a new foundation for advancing Japan-Russia relations, including the endeavors to solve the territorial issue.

3. I offer my sincerest prayer for the repose of Mr. Yeltsin’s soul and hope that the Russian Federation and its people will overcome this sadness and continue to progress toward the further prosperity of their country.

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