Mikhail Gorbachev, the last Soviet leader, died on Tuesday 30 August at the age of 91: from Reagan to Thatcher, here are some of the best known phrases about him
Mikhail Gorbachev, the last leader of the Soviet Union, died on Tuesday 30 August at the age of 91. Here are some of the best known phrases spoken about him over the years.
I like Mr. Gorbachev. We can work together
(Margaret Thatcher, British Prime Minister, BBC interview, December 14, 1984)
There is a signal that the Soviets can give, an unequivocal signal, which would dramatically accelerate the cause of freedom and peace. Mr. Secretary General Gorbachev: if you are looking for peace, if you are looking for prosperity for the Soviet Union and for Eastern Europe, if you are looking for liberalization: come here, to this door! Mr. Gorbachev, open this door! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!
(Ronald Reagan, President of the United States, speech at the Berlin Wall, June 12, 1987)
In recent years there have been dramatic changes in relations between East and West. A conflicting relationship has been replaced by negotiations. The old European nation-states have regained their freedom. The arms race is slowing down … These historical changes derive from several factors: but in 1990 the Nobel Committee wants to honor Mikhail Gorbachev for his numerous and decisive contributions.
(Communiqué of the Nobel Peace Prize Committee, October 15, 1990)
The Nobel committee doesn’t know what it’s about. Let them come and live a couple of months to live here, like us Russians, let’s hear what they think. Peace only for foreigners?
(Moscow teacher, unidentified, quoted by Reuters in an October 15, 1990 news release)
A mortal danger hangs over our motherland. The reform policy launched by Mikhail Gorbachev is conceived as a means to ensure the dynamic development of the country and the democratization of social life, which has entered a dead end. Lack of confidence, apathy and despair have replaced the original enthusiasm and hopes. Authorities at all levels have lost the support of the population. The country has become ungovernable, and is sinking into the quagmire of violence and lawlessness. Never before in national history has the propaganda of sex and violence taken on such a scale, threatening the health and life of future generations. The pride and honor of the Soviet people must be restored in full
(Statement by the Committee on the Emergency Situation in the Soviet Union after announcing that Gorbachev had been stripped of his powers following a failed coup in August 1991)
August 30, 2022 (change August 30, 2022 | 23:34)
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