Political Quotes

“last week, Russian President Boris Yeltsin declared victory in Chechnya, stating that the military stage of the conflict had concluded. It is clear, however, that neither the conflict nor its political and international ramifications are behind us. The fighting, although less intense, continues with horrifying reports of attacks against civilians. Russia's foray into Chechnya, moreover, continues to take a toll on Russia's domestic reform agenda as well as its relationships with the West. Secretary Christopher put it well last week after his meetings in Geneva with Russian Foreign Minister Kozyrev. He said: ``I told the Foreign Minister that the United States fully supports the principle of Russia's territorial integrity, but that we are extremely concerned about the price that the war is exacting in terms of human life, in terms of support of reform, and in terms of Russia's standing in the world.'' To my mind, Secretary Christopher delivered the right message. Let us hope that Russia responds appropriately. Mr. President, I believe that few of us would deny that territorial integrity is an important principle that must be preserved.”