Rodionov Responds to Yeltsin's Illness 🇷🇺

(16 Jan 1997) T/I: 10:17:46


Russian Defence Minister Igor Rodionov admitted on Thursday (16/1) that
President Boris Yeltsin's prolonged illness had had an adverse effect on the battle readiness of the armed forces.
Speaking at a press conference in Moscow, Rodionov said that the absence of the commander-in-chief had brought all decision making to a halt and had contributed to the overall disorder in the Russian army.

SHOWS:

MOSCOW, RUSSIA, 16/1
Exterior Russian Defence Ministry building;
RUSSIAN SOT, Minister of Defense Igor Rodionov: "There are threats to
Russia in the West, in the East and in the South. These are threats, not
enemies or adversaries, contrary to what the press claims. These are threats.";
CA media;
RUSSIAN SOT, Rodionov, continues: "If Nato wants to expand, and takes such a decision, let it expand. But we are against it, saying openly and frankly why. As to ourselves,we are not going to expand. And we probably won't establish a new defensive union to counter Nato. Otherwise, we will recreate something that for decades has tortured and threatened not just Europe but the entire world.";
CA media;
RUSSIAN SOT, Rodionov, continues: "It is up to Russia what (weapons) to
sell to other countries. There is another element: These are purely defensive systems. All air-defense systems defend against possible aggression.";
CA media;
journalists leaving presser.

2.18

Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AP_Archive
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/APArchives ​​
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/APNews/


You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/81cf52749e223b4eb177cc2a2cefe456