It was only one sentence, but the words from Mikhail Gorbachev last week suddenly gave fresh momentum to German unification. Asked about the possibility of the two Germanys becoming one, Gorbachev replied, "Basically, no one casts any doubt on it." Though the Soviet President cautioned that "it is essential to act responsibly and not seek the solution to this important issue in the streets," his reluctant blessing contrasted sharply with his government's previous pronouncements.
So sharply, in fact, that within three days the Kremlin began to hem and haw. Apparently concerned that Gorbachev's words might be interpreted as an explicit push...
To continue reading:
or
Log-In
