GORBACHEV — EUROPE BECOMES IRRELEVANT AND SUFFERING THE MOST BY NEW COLD WAR ON RUSSIA

Europe may become irrelevant due to short-sighted policies – Gorbachev Nov 8, 2014

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Former President of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev attends a symposium on security in Europe 25 years after the fall of the “Wall” in Berlin

USA-Western policies toward Russia led to the current crisis in Ukraine.

“Europe will be weakened and become irrelevant.” — Gorbachev warns in Berlin calling on western leaders to de-escalate tensions with Russia

“Europe is the one suffering most from the situation.” — Gorbachev

“Instead of becoming a leader of change in a global world Europe has turned into an arena of political upheaval, of competition for the spheres of influence, and finally of military conflict. The consequence inevitably is Europe’s weakening at a time when other centers of power and influence are gaining momentum. If this continues, Europe will lose a strong voice in world affairs and gradually become irrelevant.” — Gorbachev

After the Cold War ended western leaders adopted anti-Russian policies that eventually led to the current crisis — Gorbachev

USA-West must tone down its anti-Russian rhetoric and seek points of convergence. — Gorbachev

“Taking advantage of Russia’s weakening and a lack of a counterweight, they claimed monopoly leadership and domination in the world. And they refused to heed the word of caution from many of those present here. The events of the past months are consequences of short-sighted policies of seeking to impose one’s will and fait accompli while ignoring the interests of one’s partners.” — Gorbachev

Gorbachev’s list of Anti-Russian policies:

1. Expansion of NATO
2. Development of an anti-ballistic missile system
3. Military interventions in Yugoslavia and Iraq
4. West-backed secession of Kosovo
5. Crisis in Syria and others
6. The Ukrainian crisis is a “blister turning into a bleeding, festering wound.”

Experience in the 1980s showed that much worse and seemingly hopeless conflicts can be resolved, when there is the political will and right setting of priorities. — Gorbachev

Gorbachev assured the forum that Russian leadership was willing to do its part, as evidenced by President Putin’s keynote speech at the Valdai Forum. — Gorbachev

“Despite the harshness of (Putin’s) criticism of the West and the United States in particular, I see in his speech a desire to find a way to lower tensions, and ultimately to build a new basis for partnership.” — Gorbachev

Ukraine’s current confrontation can become a focus for reconciliation between Russia and the West. — Gorbachev

Gorbachev called for all parties to join forces and help Ukraine overcome the consequences of the civil war it is currently going through.

“…enlargement of NATO and the current EU common defense policy have failed to produce positive results.” — Gorbachev calling for overhaul of OSCE

“Had such a mechanism been created, the worst scenarios of the Ukrainian events could have been averted.” — Gorbachev