Prague, 6 November 1996 (RFE/RL) -- Initial reaction from Russia and Central Europe to U.S. President Bill Clinton's re-election is favorable.
Russian Foreign Minister Yevgeny Primakov welcomed Clinton's re-election, noting the Russian government already has experience working with Clinton. He says Russia hopes to further develop what he calls "fruitful cooperation" between the two countries in the future.
Czech President Vaclav Havel sent Clinton a congratulatory telegram praising the U.S. president's "personal contribution" to the close and friendly relations between Washington and Prague as well as his engagement in expanding U.S. political and economic ties with Central and Eastern Europe.
Slovak President Michal Kovac, in congratulating Clinton, says his re-election demonstrates the wish of Americans to improve what Kovac said was "the stability of our planet."
Austrian President Thomas Klestil says Clinton's reelection is "an important sign of continuity in U.S. foreign and security policy, particularly in Bosnia."