January 25, 2001. Copyright, 2001, Graphic News. All rights reserved

BORIS YELTSIN CELEBRATES 70TH BIRTHDAY
By Mark Samms

LONDON, January 25, Graphic News:  ON the last day of the millennium, with the timing and panache of the seasoned performer he had undoubtedly become, Boris Nikolayevich Yeltsin took his final bow on the world stage.

Bloated, unsteady on his feet and clearly showing the effects of a shamelessly exuberant approach to life, the most colourful and unpredictable politician in contemporary Russian history suddenly resigned as that countryÕs president.

Thus the curtain came down on a man whose eccentric behaviour -- certainly in the latter stages of his career -- tended to blur the memory of a brash yet courageous politician who played a pivotal role in the struggle to drag the remnants of the former Soviet Union into the 20th century.

Initially an ally of Mikhail Gorbachev in his attempts to force through economic reforms, Yeltsin became increasingly impatient at the slow progress. His abrasiveness and uncompromising attitude eventually led to a schism between the two men, and it is widely believed their split was the beginning of the end for Gorbachev.

YeltsinÕs popularity soared and dived through the tumultuous years that followed, especially as age and vodka took its toll. Yet he approaches his 70th birthday in the certain knowledge that his place in history is assured.

Sources: CNN.com, Lycos.com, WhoÕs Who in the World