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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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West 'Wasted 20 Years' After Berlin Wall Fell: Gorbachev

Former Soviet states should unite, he suggests

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(Newser) – Europe has squandered two decades of potential cooperation since the Berlin Wall fell, Mikhail Gorbachev says. At a Moscow event sponsored by his foundation, the former Soviet leader criticized Western leaders who viewed the 1989 event as their victory over Eastern Europe, rather than an opportunity for common good, Reuters reports.

“We have wasted the last 20 years,” Gorbachev, 78, said. “We have not done everything we should have done. It’s a great pity.” He dismissed the notion that Russia’s current leaders have imperialist intentions: “Russia doesn’t want to go to war with anyone.” Unpopular for allowing the Soviet collapse, Gorbachev has little political sway today—but says he plans to form a new party to challenge United Russia’s electoral monopoly.

Gorbachev says the main economic bloc of the former Soviet Union should create a free trade region.
Gorbachev says the main economic bloc of the former Soviet Union should create a free trade region.   (AP Photo)
Gorbachev says he will create a new party to provide space for dissent in Russian politics.
Gorbachev says he will create a new party to provide space for dissent in Russian politics.   (AP Photo)
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It is not yet too late to look again at creating a free economic area between Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan.
- Mikhail Gorbachev

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TerrifiedCitizen
May 14, 09 2:55 AM CDT
Gorbachev was a reasonable man with vision and a knack for diplomacy not ordinarily found in Russian leaders. He is right... we were too busy patting ourselves on the back to see what an opportunity removing the wall was... and besides, we've always needed enemies to achieve political agendas. It's a shame really, and the same opportunities won't be forthcoming as long as comrade Putin has anything to say about it. Reply
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Rob
May 14, 09 12:36 PM CDT
They have a flag on the ocean floor and we have several on the moon. I'm just sayin' . . . Reply
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SPH
May 14, 09 1:32 PM CDT
Let's not forget the reunification of Germany and the incorporation of many former Soviet states into NATO and/or the EU.......These rate as accomplishments....I think Gorby's message here is actually directed at Russian leadership who truly did waste the opportunity.... Reply
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