(19 Jun 1997) Natural Sound
Russian Prime Minister Boris Yeltsin left Moscow Thursday for Denver, Colorado to attend the "Summit of the Eight", formerly known as the Group of Seven (G-7).
For the first time, Russia will be involved in the majority of talks at the prestigious meeting of the world's most powerful industrial leaders.
The invitation to be practically a fully-fledged member of the exclusive group, is a diplomatic gesture following Russia's reluctant acceptance of NATO's expansion.
Russia's President Boris Yeltsin is an old-hand at summitry, but a new face at the meeting of the world's top industrial leaders.
Yeltsin left Moscow Thursday to attend the "Summit of the Eight" at Denver Colorado which begins on Friday.
In honour of the close relationship with President Yeltsin, the host, President Clinton has renamed the occasion from the Group of Seven to accommodate its new member.
The Russian President will be involved in the majority of talks, and only excluded from one meeting.
Inclusion of Russia, which does not by any financial yardstick merit a place at the top of the table, is a concession to President Yeltsin for abandoning its hostile stance to NATO expansion.
Russia has lost almost half its economy over the past five years, with gross domestic produce falling by some 40 per cent.
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