The social model of the Bolsheviks failed, as will any model that denies individual rights, intellectual freedom, and freedom of competing political parties. Without these freedoms and rights, there is no motivation for people to work. Such a system cannot be sustained, especially in light of the technological revolution of the information era.

Today, peace means the ascent from simple coexistence to cooperation and common creativity among countries and nations.

It is better to discuss things, to argue and engage in polemics than make perfidious plans of mutual destruction.

A new world order is taking shape so fast that governments as well as private citizens find it difficult just to absorb the gallop of events.

My goal was to avoid bloodshed. But unfortunately there was some bloodshed, after all.

On the day I became Soviet leader, in March 1985, I had a special meeting with the leaders of the Warsaw Pact countries and told them: 'You are independent, and we are independent. You are responsible for your policies, we are responsible for ours. We will not intervene in your affairs, I promise you.'

Ideally, peace means the absence of violence. It is an ethical value.