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A. I wouldn't say I expect a major disagreement -- I'll state for a fact that there will be one. But I do expect the differences to be narrowed as a result of my discussions with President Bush. I hope the character of the relationship I've developed with the President will permit us to move forward rather than backward in our discussions. When two partners meet, each side has its own interests to look after, and the other side must take that into account. The main thing is to find as much harmony as possible between the two sides' positions. If, in any area of Soviet foreign policy, we're doing something that damages the interests of the U.S., then that policy cannot be successful. If, however, we're able to establish a better balance in our relations with the U.S., then both sides can achieve their ends.
In foreign policy too we have to get rid of the command-administrative system ((jargon for dictatorial rule)). There's no other choice. It's the imperative of our time.
Q. Looking at the things that have happened in Eastern Europe and in your own country in the past few years, many Americans wonder whether you had any idea of what was going to happen, if it was part of your plans, or whether you have been as surprised by events as we have been.
A. I had an idea -- an idea to change our society on the inside and also to change what is going on outside, around our country, and to do so on the basis of new realities. But when people speak to me about various models and timetables, as though all this had happened according to a train schedule, I can only smile. I recently spoke to party members in the electoral district where I was elected to the 28th Party Congress ((scheduled to take place this summer)). I told my listeners: If anyone says to you there are simple solutions to our problems, if anyone promises that such a thing exists, then that person is nothing but a con artist; he's out to deceive you. At such turning points in history, all sorts of people come forward in the political, economic and cultural arenas. Some are just a bit strange, while others are downright dangerous. It's important to know which kind you're dealing with. No one will announce that he is out to destroy society or that he is against the interests of the people; he will bare his chest and claim to be marching under the banner of revolution and the people's interests. But people are beginning to see things more clearly. They know who their real friends are. They're giving credit where it's due -- to those who are genuinely devoted to perestroika and to this tough challenge we face.
This is really a very demanding time for all of us. We have to look at things carefully; we have to analyze where we are and anticipate where we are going as we move forward to a new society.
I am an optimist.
Q. How can you be so relaxed for someone who faces such huge problems?
A. My confidence comes from knowing that what we're doing is right and necessary. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to bear the burden.
During the interview, Gorbachev handed across the table a typewritten document with his signature on the first page. It contained his dictated answers to these questions submitted several weeks earlier.