Former President Gorbachev writes to Putin: 'This is the most alarming time'
(Baonghean.vn) - Former President Mikhail Gorbachev recently had a conversation with current President Vladimir Putin, through a short letter.
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| Former President Mikhail Gorbachev. Photo: TASS |
In an interview with Izvestia, referring to the world's hot issues, former President Gorbachev said that in the modern world there is a disregard for international law. In particular, the collapse of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty) is a typical example.
"The greatest danger in the world is disregard for international law and the militarization of politics," Mr. Gorbachev told the Izvesita newspaper in an interview.
According to him, disputes and conflicts between countries need to be resolved through peaceful negotiations. "What is the problem here? Military intervention? All issues are bypassing the role of the United Nations. International agreements and mechanisms are gradually collapsing. In particular, the United States is the country that has become a "bad example" - former President Gorbachev said.
The former president stressed that the consequences of this problem will lead to the cult of power. Drawing on past experience, Mr. Gorbachev said that defense cannot be ignored, but it must be maintained at an appropriate level. For the hot issues that the world is facing today, "military force and war of words are the worst choice" - Mr. Gorbachev commented.
Former President Gorbachev called on Russia and the US to exercise restraint and prevent confrontation, not allowing tensions to escalate and become more serious. At the same time, he assessed President Putin's proposal to stop deploying medium-range missiles as a correct step in the current context.
Former President Gorbachev said he still keeps in touch with President Putin, as well as French President Emmanuel Macron, but only in the form of short letters.
In a letter to Putin, the former president said: "World leaders are increasingly showing their great responsibility. However, frankly speaking, this is the most alarming period. It creates a great burden, including physical and mental. From my own experience, I understand this well."
"Sometimes I find that my thoughts resonate with the words and actions of leaders," Mr. Gorbachev confided.