MOSCOW. Dec 19 (Interfax) - Russia's first President Boris Yeltsin was impressed by Yegor Gaidar's intellect and talent, Naina Yeltsina, the first president's widow, said at Gaidar's funeral ceremony on Saturday.

"He often visited us at home. They talked a lot. Boris Nikolayevich (Yeltsin) was impressed by his intellect, his talent, and his devotion, whatever position he occupied," Yeltsina said.

Gaidar took charge of the country's economy at one of the most difficult moments in its history, she said.

"This was a guru in economics. Many people were surprised why Boris Nikolayevich picked Yegor Timurovich (Gaidar) as a prime minister at that difficult time. They were absolutely different in terms of temper and age. But probably Yegor Timurovich infected Boris Nikolayevich with his clear position in solving problems of a paralyzed economy and his amazing calmness in dealing with issues," she said.

Yeltsina regretted that Gaidar can be deservedly credited for "what he has done for the country and for all of us" only after his death.

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