Monument to Yeltsin opens in Yekaterinburg

A monument to the first president of Russia, Boris Yeltsin, has opened in the Russian town of Yekateriburg.

The monument unveiling ceremony was attended by President Dmitry Medvedev.

In his opening speech, the Russian leader appreciated Yeltsin's role in implementing landmark reforms in Russia in a period when the country was facing major difficulties.

The monument was erected on February 1 on the occasion of Yeltsin's 80th birthday.