Yeltsin: ‘This Troubled Night Taught Us a Lot’

Following are excerpts from Russian President Boris N. Yeltsin’s speech to the nation Monday, as translated by the Associated Press.

Dear compatriots:

I am turning to you at this difficult moment.

Shots are thundering in Russia’s capital and blood has been spilled.

Fighters who have been brought from the whole country and have been incited by the White House leaders are sowing death and destruction.

I know that it was a sleepless night for many of you. I know that you have understood everything.

This troubled and tragic night has taught us a lot. We did not prepare for a war. We hoped that we could reach an agreement and preserve peace in the capital.

Those who moved against the peaceful city and unleashed the bloody massacre are criminals. But it was not just a crime committed by individual bandits and vandals. Everything that happened and is happening in Moscow--it was an armed revolt planned in advance. It was organized by Communists seeking revenge, by fascist leaders and some of the former (Parliament) deputies--representatives of the Soviets. . . .

Those waving red flags have once again covered Russia with blood.

They hoped to use surprise, to sow fear and confusion with their impudence and unprecedented ruthlessness.

They hoped that the military would stay away calmly and watch defenseless Muscovites be persecuted and a bloody dictatorship be established in our country. . . .

For them and for those who gave them orders, there can be no forgiveness, because they lifted their hand against peaceful people, against Moscow, against Russia, against women, children and old people.

The armed revolt is doomed. Troops are entering Moscow to restore order, peace and quiet. . . .

I am asking you, dear Muscovites, to give your moral support to boost the spirits of the Russian soldiers and officers. They belong to our national army and police. They have one task today: To defend our children, to defend our mothers and fathers, to stop and neutralize the rioters and murderers. Moscow and Russia are awaiting your courage and decisive action.

The public organizations that took part in mass disorders and other unlawful actions are banned on the entire territory of Russia. . . .

I appeal to all political forces in Russia. For the sake of those whose lives have already ended, for the sake of those whose innocent blood has already been spilled, I appeal to you to forget your internal disputes that seemed important yesterday.