HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU.....

the following quote is from which former world leader, no peeking:

quote:

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Bold and far-reaching reforms at home were matched by a new, and completely un-Soviet, willingness to establish friendly and cooperative relations abroad. I well remember my first meetings with Mr. Gorbachev, before he became President. I was struck then and later by his willingness to engage in open and honest debate, rather than merely rely on the traditional Soviet threats and boycotts. It was clear to me, as it quickly became clear to Ronald Reagan - that other great architect of freedom - that Mikhail Gorbachev was a man with whom we could "do business." And the business which was done resulted in an end to the Cold War, with all the progress that has meant.

But perhaps President Gorbachev's most important achievement is one that is nowadays easily forgotten: it lies in what he did not do. The classic Soviet response to attempts by the captive nations to break free of Moscow's control was to send in the tanks. Mr. Gorbachev chose a different path. He proved that he was a true man of peace when he allowed the peoples of Eastern and Central Europe to go their own way in freedom. For this above all he should be remembered as an example of what one man can achieve to change a system and to benefit the world.

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[ 26 September 2003: Message edited by: Gir Draxon ]