03 July 2001
"Moskovskii Komsomoletz",¹ 141
Yekaterina Deeva conducted the discussion.
"Russian Roulette -1996. How was made the president!"
Exactly after five years, once again we have chosen " the Emperor" Boris Yeltsin. Today, we are talking with one of the personalities who surrounded the then Boris Nicholaevich, who entirely prepared his presidential campaign, where the whole situation would have been turned to a completely unexpected political scenario. The whole process was decided within the last few hours.
If Yeltsin was agreed in postponing the election date, if Oligarchy have been arrested, and if Korzhakov was not been dismissed … If the heart attack of Boris Yeltsin has appeared fatal … Probably, today our state would look absolutely in a different way. This is simply to say there would have been absolutely a different state structure.
How the destiny of the country was decided! Those people who engineered and manipulated all possible ways and means will explain us about the entire history of the election campaign. These are Alexander Korzhakov (in 1996 - who was the chief of the security Service of the president of Russia), Sergey Zveriev (in1996 - director on questions of Information- analytical service and public relations of company "Group" MOST " (in English Bridge), member of the analytical group of the pre-election staff of Yeltsin) and Sergey Lisovsky (in 1996 also member of the election staff, particularly responsible for the pre-election action " Vote, or will lose! ", General Director of the joint-stock company " ÎRT- advertising " and Holding of the group of companies called " Premier SV ").
THE SUCCESSORS BEHIND THE BOARD
Alexander Korzhakov: - Yeltsin was swinging … He had serious health problems: His heart attacks repeated one after the other. Five heart attacks … Boris Nicholaevich frequently spoke that he is tired of taking responsibility. This is to say that he would like to leave his post. After the tragic events of 1993, he has lost interest to work.
Regarding me, my working day lasts two hours per day. I used to come to Kremlin at nine o'clock, and at eleven with shudder waited for a direct call from Yeltsin. " Well, Alexander Vasilievich, we shall have dinner? " The Dinner softly passed in to long dinner, then continue to supper. This was almost going on constantly. Behind the presidential office, which is on the backside of his room, there is a sitting room where we used to sit for our meal. It happened many times where we sit down silently hours after hours. Yeltsin could sleep while he is sitting. Sometimes there would be telephone calls, and, if the attendant persistently knocked the door to remind a planned reception, the president switched on and off basis ... From time to time I ask him: "May I go to work? " -He answers " What for? You are working with me "...
Boris Nicholaevich selected for himself successors. But has understood, that nobody is yet ready. For him, certainly was needed a successor similar to him. He must be the same flying like him, and simultaneously reliable - that Boris Nicholaevich could operate him the way he wants. Such successor was not found on the ideal form. A trial was made with Chernomerdin but he was not found to be suitable. It means he failed. Besides Chernomerdin has transferred heart attack operation... I consider that Oleg Nicholaevich Soskovich (the then first vice - premiere of the government - Auth.) in 1996 would have been the best choice. But Soskovetz was in need to prepare himself for a presidential post. Boris Nicholaevich has considered that Soskovetz on that moment was not ready for such highest post.
Sergey Zveriev: - At any circumstances, I can not imagine, in 1996 Yeltsin could play with duplicated personalities. Being the president of the country is the entire meaning of his life, with which he got used. If Yeltsin was not in apposition to participate in the presidential election, maybe, he would not be today physically with us … It is only now we know about history of his illness. But the then Boris Nicholaevich was the man with enormous internal power. And such remained even in a condition after a heart attack between the first and second rounds. It was not possible to stop him from his activities.
PHANTOM OF RED THREAT
" Arranging a meeting between Yeltsin with Zuganov, on a question of postponing the presidential election for two years "
Alexander Korzhakov: - I offered such variant. All leaders of political forces would be sitting behind a round table discussion. This is to bring all political leaders to a unified agreement of postponing the election time by two years. This was intentionally designed that, with in this time, we could prepare a normal nominee from our side. One of the main targets was to prepare Soskovetz for this highest post. Yeltsin took this offer for his thought and did not deny straightforward. Both Chernomerdin and Shumeiko, chairman of the council of Federation were supporting this plan. The same was true in the case of the communist party. I met three times with Victor Ilechem Zorkaltzev (member of Presidium of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (CPRF). - Auth.). From these conversations, I can make a conclusion, that they were not ready to take power. They were also in need to wait for two years in order to prepare a better candidate. You see, on the other hand, the people have not departed yet from the shock of 1993 tragic event.
The election potential in favor of Yeltsin and Zuganov was almost fifty- to- ten. Comparing with Zuganov, Yeltsin had more money for his election campaign but he was worse with organizational operations. The communists were in short of money but were smart in organizational work. Also it was terrible to imagine, that if the election for Yeltsin will bring a minimal advantage before Zuganov, let us say one percent, the population will think: it is an obvious deceit, juggling. Mass disorders would begin. Firewood would have been flameout.
In that case, it was necessary to avoid such potential dangers and Zorkaltzev and me have found mutual understanding on this background. The general contents of our conversation were transferred to Zuganov through him and I have informed Yeltsin. And we prepared meeting of Yeltsin with Zuganov on the general discussion including on the question of postponing the election date for two years.
But the possibility of a defeat of Yeltsin at any variants was not considered. I told directly to Zorkaltzev that, " we will not allow you to a state power".
Sergey Lisovsky: - I sincerely believe that communists will take revenge if they come to power. More over - before the first round of election, when the situation was not clear, many regional chiefs have believed very much in it. In the province, they have arrested our transport means with all equipment, printed materials, and chopped off electricity on the platforms. They have sabotaged our work. And the army too. There was a case, when Nikolaev and Yakobovich have flown to a city with " Field of miracles " and " Morning star ". There was no civil airfield and because of this, they have sat on the military one. And they have fulfilled the mission in the city, but no body was kind to them to do so. And you see it was necessary to continue in the same position but the General who should decide this was ostensibly on fishing.
They did not allow our plane to take off until we called to Korzhakov.
Sergey Zveriev: - I am absolutely sure, that Boris Nicholaevich would have lost these elections, if he has refused " meeting with people ". If he has accepted a decision to play, thus he would have to play necessarily such rules … It seems to me, that Boris Nicholaevich with his sleeping brain has felt, that the old team is not leading him to the right direction.
The situation at first developed really very heavy. We spoke to Yeltsin in a clear manner, that he has faced many more unpleasant things. For a long time the people did not see any valuable actions from him. Simply he was almost absent! Yeltsin perceived it normally. And frequently acted how we advised him…
Many of us had meetings with communists. From the frequent meeting, we came to a conclusion, that they were awfully embarrassed. They do not know what to do with their chance. Ofcourse it is not my opinion, Zuganov clearly understands the objective reality of Russia that it is impossible to return the country to its previous system. The system, in which Zuganov is involving, would result in a rigid enough public transformations with absolutely unpredictable consequences.
That up to the scenario of the postponing of the election date, there was repeatedly discussion without a particular arrangement which never brings a sense to any one because in this situation "were swept away" both Yeltsin and Zuganov. If the plan of Korzhakov has been taken into account, there could have been spill of blood. Radicals - such, as Anpilov and Terexov, could mobilize the people on streets. These performances would begin to develop to the conditions of the 1993 tragic events, and nobody knows how these events could culminate. The communist party of the Russian Federation (CPRF) was not in a position to keep the situation under its control.
We did not exclude that in the first round of the election, the results could be completely different. In the morning after voting, there were four variants of performances of Yeltsin - in case of winning with a big difference, incase of a small separation, in case of a minimal loss and a strong defeat were prepared. By the way, we remember, during that time Boris Nicholaevich all the time spoke: " the election will take place only a single round! I shall win! " We have decided in one of our meetings to inform him that " the Second round election is inevitable! " Shaxray was owed to begin conversation with him. They have finished to discuss the current questions. There was a long pause. Shaxray has made a long breath, as before a jump... And here Yeltsin said; " Well, you want to tell me about the second round? I know that it will take place. That you prepare for the second part of the campaign. I did what you advised me before, and I shall continue to do. But I internally have adjusted myself as if all is decided now. Do not please disturb my own internal adjustment. And on June 17th in the morning, we shall gather and discuss how to do farther ". He was in need of enforcement and a push only forward!
However, the result of the second round was clear for us: Zuganov could win elections only in the condition if Yeltsin would not go for the second round. This opportunity was excluded completely when the ratings of Yeltsin begun to grow.
Oligarchy going as "PIG"
"The members of the presidential security service themselves bringing money to the regions with suitcases and bags. Because there was a necessity to pay as a " black cash "
Alexander Korzhakov: -Borodin has gathered tens of bankers. It was occurred in the first block of Kremlin, in a lunch hall, in apartments of Naina Yosiefna, which was then after has occupied by Tatyana Borisovna. There exist a large restaurant hall. They have arranged dinner, and in this dinner Yeltsin has let neither his security, nor aide-de-camps. If any scraps of conversation were needed to know, it was possible only through the waiters. Then after Borodin has told me, that all were requested to offer fifty millions each and all them agreed to do so. In turn, they promised to everyone to give back after the election from the "service" piece of the budget. The enclosed millions have been paid back in several small volumes. After those elections, I have understood, that so-called oligarchy, on similar conditions of presidential elections could carry out even each month.. Oligarchy's money, certainly, has played the biggest role. As a matter of fact they are always forgetting or over looking all of those key roles played by. During that time, the so-called democratic head of the presidential administration Filatov has been changed or replaced by the strong-willed Nicholay Dmitrievich Igorov. In the matter of six months, he has channalized everything, as what now they name it administrative resource at all vertical power structure. It was a work with the governors, with the city administration, regional leaders… And this administrative resource has blocked the resource of communists. Whether there were falsifications at counting votes? It was a question remained to Reyabov (the then head of the Central Election Commission. auth.). I think, that his subsequent resignation and departure " on holiday " for long years to Czech by his request was connected to it. But it is only my personal opinion and here I can not prove anything.
Sergey Lisovsky: - Oligarchy was frightened and consequently united. But every thing was not simple as we can imagine. I shall not name out surnames of certain individuals, but part of the oligarchy has agreed with the group headed by Korzhakov and Soskovetz and began a double standard game. There was a moment, when a number of people, who were once incurred this or that kind of obligations, suddenly have changed their positions. And when the situations are changed, again they returned back and said: " we are with you "…
Chubais considered the so-called "administrative resources" as a good practice, but it will be difficult and practically impossible to predict how it will function. By the way, he has appeared to be completely right. Half of the "administrative resource" initially was against Yeltsin, and the remaining half of the other third, was remained neutral, which did support neither this, nor the other party.
The project " Vote, or will lose! " initially we planned to make it without the participation of Yeltsin. All of a sudden, they told us that it would be good if he participated in the over all action. And consequently they told us, that he is ready. At first Boris Nicholaevich did not admit us to him. They took from us the script, gave him and brought back with corrections and additional. But the more the time is getting closer to the election date, every thing is getting easier and easier. They turned from the inaccessible people to normal ones, with which it was possible to communicate without problems from the very beginning.
… There is an old joke about love with words " How about talking? " It seems to me, that we have made a very simple thing before the election: we have begun to talk with people. And then Yeltsin begun to talk with them. And consequently we have won.
Sergey Zvierev: - we had a clear understanding that Zuganov could be win only by Yeltsin. A feeling of self-preservation has worked out .The sharing of the budget- "pie", then was hardly discussed. Anyway, I had no such information at that time.
In the process as it was planned, tens of different businessmen allotted fifty millions of USD each, and what really happen? Where this money was invested? It is understood to me, that Boris Nicholaevich has won the election for one simple reason: literally speaking in two months, he became the former Yeltsin. And no one, except himself, - neither Korzhakov, nor Berezovsky, Tatyana Borisovna and all oligarchy together could solve this problem. If we take the over all conclusion that Boris Nicholaevich has won at the expense of the administrative resources is also a lie. The assessment and general support of the regions positively rocked to his side when regions saw Yeltsin has woken up!
WHERE THOSE MILLIONS DISAPPEARED?
"Tatyana Borisovna too much bothered her father and he ordered his security guards to take back her identification card and should not allow her to the Kremlin.
Alexander Korzhakov: - More than half of the total money was simply stolen or in a simple saying, it has been plundered. While Yeltsin went to various cities and regions, a group of gangs begun to pretend in Moscow. Chubais and his team of the American advisers - (they were eight men) - have appropriated laurels of victory, but in realty they had no relation to this victory. For them the main objective was where to stuff money. Nobody counted how much money has spent for the action "Vote, or will lose!" And what it has contributed? The half-dead Yeltsin danced on the stage where eventually received a huge minus. In Rostov the local TV transmitted his live wild- dancing from the stage of the stadium, and the people in that area have voted against Boris Nicholaevich..
Members of the presidential security service carried money to the regions. They took it in suitcases, in bags. This was done because they should pay it in black cash. This money was not actually given either to Illusion to use it once or Chubais. They have channeled all to Korzhakov. But all of the money was handed over to the head of election staffs at sight with receipt. The money what Lisovsky with Evstafyev took out in box with 538 thousand dollars from the Houses of the government, was the money, which was blatantly stolen. This money was found to be a government money taken from a state bank… But Lisovsky was simply supernumerary. His Evstafyev was acting as a porter in order to carry the box.
We have found out, that millions of dollars have left to Cannery and America under a pretext of advertising. You see, Yeltsin one week prior to his election gave an order to Chernomerdin and Smolensk to present a clarification document on the allotted money to the election team. We would have been in a position to know many things about the final destiny of this money if we were not dismissed on June 20, five years back.
Sergey Lisovsky: - The questions on illegal financing of election campaigns in Russia have no sense to discuss and try to make investigations on it. It is practically impossible to implement election law in here. Every one and every organ is violating. On the other hand every thing costs more expensively than officially provided limits. But actually we invested in our economy in various spheres. We paid for printing houses, actors, and technicians at concerts. This money precisely does not transferred abroad.
FOURTEEN HOURS OF CRISIS
Alexander Korzhakov: - Boris Nicholaevich was on " front lines". He listened both these and those. A known proverb: " The night Cuckoo sings more than the day one ". Actually Tanya executed a role of a night cuckoo. Boris Nicholaevich slept at the night badly because his family especially Tanya bothered him at home. Naina Eiosephna had not enough influence on him, where as he loved and listened Tanya. And she utilized this love and trust to her influence up on him.
There was such episode … Somewhere in the middle of the presidential election campaign, in March, Boris Nicholaevich completely fed up of his daughter -Tatiana Borisovna and ordered me like this: " Take back her identification card from her and don't allow her to get into the Kremlin". Then I told to Tanya, " Please don't bother him at work and don't show up to the Kremlin too". And you see I could execute this order, but no body knows in which direction these events could developed…
Soskovetz and Chubais were incompatible, and Korzhakov and Chubais too. But Boris Nicholaevich could have told me very friendly, that "Alexander Vasilievich, from the tactical point of view, it is necessary for me to dismiss you from your post of the head of the presidential security service. I consider this as just and correct but may not be advantageous from the political perspective. Any way you have served a lot thank you, just get rest". But he gave an order to a certain team to follow me what I am doing and catch me on the spot. He is weak as a human being and his family is also like him, very "cheerful".
Sergey Lisovsky: -Only few could know that, immediately as Korzhakov was dismissed, on the part of the oligarchy" the first echelon " have started criminal cases. The machine begun operating, and after the election, on the day of inauguration, when Korzhakov already has dismissed, " on inertia " the security force were ready to go with warrants to arrest some people. Those who were ready to do so have been stopped at the last moment.
Korzhakov has lost the game because Yeltsin did not whole heatedly accept the idea of frightening people on such kind of election. He ruled as an Emperor, as a king, not completely as a democratic president. But he wanted his "empire" was confirmed with the love of the people. Yeltsin was in need of Crane in the sky, but Titmouse was not necessary to him. Certainly, power was very important for Boris Nicholaevich, but he wanted to enjoy power only with such variant.
Sergey Zvierev: According to my opinion, Korzhakov wanted to postponed the election date and finally went to banks for financial assistance because he was not absolutely sure that Yeltsin will win the election. We certainly did not expect the history of the box with money. When such episode has taken place, I did not see any preconditions that Korzhakov and others will be dismissed. On the contrary - we were ready to see arrests. The crisis lasts 14 hours. The situation was broken only through the conversation between Yeltsin and Chubais.
No body could really know what was this conversation except two of them. When this meeting under taking between them, we were in the building SEV (ÑÝÂ) in the office of Chubais. Valentine Yumashev were sitting in the sofa, near by with a glass of cognac and suddenly said: " I will dismiss them ". I swear I did not trust his words.
HEART ATTACK
" After the heart attack of Yeltsin, he shouted against every body in the house: " Do everything, only do not call to Chernomerdin "
Sergey Lisovsky: - Before the second round of voting, we had a plan to move around tens of different cities with a participation of Yeltsin. Under him they made light, sound … and suddenly Tanya came to us and said, " Boris Nicholaevich is so busy that will not participate in this action ". Please carry out all performances by your own without him. Immediately after the election victory, they have arranged a closed reception for three hundred people. Yeltsin should come to thank us. But he is not coming at all. After some time I asked her: " Tanya, when he is coming? " She said " Now he is busy, but will come soon". In the end result Chernomerdin and Naina thanked all for their assistance in the campaign. And only on this reception I have found out from one person, that Yeltsin again got a heart attack.
Sergey Zvierev: - we, certainly, have understood, that there was something serious, after they have informed us, that there will be no more trips of Yeltsin. We have appeared in conditions, when it was necessary to conduct the campaign without the candidate. There was an idea to show old shootings of Boris Nicholaevich, to give out them as fresh. But then this idea was refused. It was considered as something different implications. Will suffice or not to accelerate Yeltsin, which he has deserved before the first round of election? This was more than any thing else disturbed. The possibility of distancing Yeltsin from the second round election was out of every body's mind. No one was dare enough to think like this.
Alexander Korzhakov: The sixth heart attack of Boris Nicholaevich has happened in few days after he dismissed me from my post. And I have arrived to him in Barvix and thought that there is a need to see off the body. On the eve of the election, there was a meeting in Tushina in a burning sun. Boris Nicholaevich shouted there with words and phrases such as: " Yeltsin - freedom, Yeltsin - democracy ". These emotions became the last drops of his energy... I was called by the aide-de-camp and said: " Alexander Vasilievich, I do not know what to do! " He arrived to Boris Nicholaevich but doctors are not allowing him to get in. He is shouting against all in the whole house: " Do everything, only don't call to Chernomerdin, don't tell him what really happened! "Yeltsin always consider Chernomerdin as the potential contender. He thought, that if he come and sees the sleeping Yeltsin, he might think immediately to occupy his place. Because of this Chernomerdin was informed about Yeltsin's heart attack only after four days.
I was in his summer residence, and then came Naina Eiosephna with some sort of scandal considering that I have been the cause for all of this problems of Yeltsin and brought his health conditions to such extent. Finally I told her: " It is you with Berezovsky and Chubais created problems up on him and brought his health condition to this situation. You forced him to do a public dance. On the contrary, I was always the most trustful person to Boris Nicholaevich" Yeltsin could not get up to the second floor. He was sleeping on the first floor in the musical saloon. It was a big room, may be five -ten square meters. When communists began bothering the where about of the president? "
- There was a decision to arrange Tele-shooting. They have specially made the same wooden panels, as in his Kremlin office. They attached this panel on the wall as though it is Kremlin. They put Yeltsin in the bed as if he is sitting with supporting pillows under his back and put a Jacket, a tie and trousers … They have moved up a large table. Around him sat six people - Yumashev, Shaxray, Tanya, and somebody else. This was a pretension as if Yeltsin is carrying out a meeting in Kremlin on election procedures and technical processes.
VICTORY WITH SMACK
Sergey Lisovsky: - In one month after the election, they were all normal. As soon as the elections have passed, we were invited to all solemn evenings, meetings...After three months they have ceased to invite us at all. Once Tanya Deyachenko was at my office and has asked me: "Where is your gratitude for elections? Why you did not hung up on the wall with a frame? " I replied her " Yes! They did not give me that. " - " How they have not given you? You should be in the lists! " I have understood, that the team who are giving such thanks giving certificate did not want to see the surname Lisovsky in these lists. In 1,5 months a courier brought a box, where there were about ten pieces of thanks -giving certificates without my name and other television heads, directors, actors. It was a ridiculous history...
Sergey Zvierev: - A couple of years after the election, on the 3rd of July, we gathered our analytical group. Then it has left as if it was nothing happened. We supported the personal relations among each other because we did not meet all together for a long period of time. It is a pity. It was a funny election campaign.
Alexander Korzhakov: - When he has dismissed Barsukov and me from our post, we thought for ourselves, that this nervous situation will pass sooner or later. One full week passed after the election, and we left for Sochi to have a rest. After three days of our stay in Sochi, suddenly a call from Koabelshikov- Yeltsin's assistant and said, " Alexander Vasilievich and Michael Ivanovich, Boris Nicholaevich wanted to see you on Monday. At nine o'clock Barsukov and at 9. 15 Korzhakov". I was with my wife and younger daughter. We have collected and packed everything and went back to Moscow. Yeltsin is calling to the work! A call in the morning: ", the meeting will not be sustained with Alexander Vasilievich ". I call back to the aide-de-camp of Yeltsin -Kuznetzov and told him " What the hell is doing? Am I a boy running here and there? One plane ticket to Sochi costs one million and we three of us altogether cost us six millions … So what is the reason? I have been informed the following. "Boris Nicholaevich left his house in the morning, and told to Kuznetzov, - sitting on the edge of the armchair, thinking long and told him: " Anatoly, cancel this meeting today ". He has asked him " Why ". " I can not tolerate this meeting". This was probably that Yeltsin was suffering guilty consciousness and soured with remnants of his conscience. After that, he never asked any more about us.
There were three volumes on the history of Yeltsin's illness kept in the especial safe. Earlier they were kept in CKB, but long before the pre-election campaign, I asked them to give me back. The communists- (the Zuganoves) could buy these documents in millions of dollars… Nobody knew except me, where these three volumes of illness history are stored. Only when Debeky arrived to operate Yeltsin, Yeltsin's personal doctor Vladlen Nicholaevich Ftorushin requested me about these volumes of illness history. And then I called to the reception of the president, and informed where lies the key of the room and the safe where those documents are kept. I did not hide any thing though I could be.
THE CHRONICLE OF ELECTIONS
January 1996
Yeltsin announced his decision to run for presidential elections. The official rating of Boris Nicholaevich was not more than 4 %... The pre-election staff has been created where Oleg Soskovetz was assigned to lead. In his own words, Yeltsin said, I am not satisfied with the dreadful methodological approach of the 1996 Russian roulette, the job of the election staff in the process of making a president'. Works of a staff.
Middle of March
A new pre-election council was created headed by Yeltsin himself where Chernomerdin became his vice. The daughter of the president - Tatyana Deyachenko became member of the pre-election staff (council).
Boris Nicholaevich begun to meet heads of top banks and media groups such as Gusseinsky, Xodorkovsky, Berezovsky, Potanin and others. The needed agreement was achieved: they will render an entire support for Yeltsin in his presidential election campaign special analytical group headed by Chubais begun working within the election staff (council). But the rating of Yeltsin still going catastrophically low. Boris Nicholaevich is declined to the offer of Alexander Korzhakov of postponing the presidential election for two years. Decrees were ready on the prohibition of the communist party and the dissolution of Duma.
March 23
Yeltsin will carry out in Kremlin a closed meeting with the participation of Chernomerdin, "security forces ", head of the presidential administration - Igorov to discuss on these radical plans. The majority of the participants of the meeting were supporting the plans. But on this very day, Tatyana Deyachenko implores her father to meet with Chubais. After an hour, Chubais the head of the analytical group- became the main "motor" of the election campaign. Soskovetz ceased his function as head of the pre-election staff.
June 16
The first round of voting. Yeltsin - 35,28 %, Zuganov - 32,03 %, Lebediev- 14,52%
June 19
Under the instruction of Korzhakov - the security service of the president detained Lisovsky and Yevstafiev who were members of the pre-election council, alleging that they took a box with money inside from the White House. In side the box was found more than half million dollars.
June 20
Tatyana Deyachenko achieved an attention of Yeltsin towards Chubais. So as to avoid unforeseen circumstances, he used to come to Kremlin with his own car. After the made a long conversation with Chubais, Korzhakov, Barsukov and Soskovetz dismissed from their position.
June 26
Yeltsin faced the sixth heart attack.
July 3
The second round of voting. Yeltsin- 53,83 %, Zuganov- 40,31 %
Back