Gorbachev calls on EU to look eastwards

The European Union must look at new relationships with eastern countries, the former president of the Soviet Union, Mr Mikhail Gorbachev said in Dublin today.

Mr Gorbachev was speaking at Trinity College where he was conferred with the degree of Doctor of Laws in recognition of his service to his country.

In a topic Mr Gorbachev said he would expand on tomorrow, he said "Russia regards itself as part of Europe, a Russia that is trying to renovate itself". He added that the EU should not limit its project to only assimilating western countries.

He criticised demands that Russia move more quickly on democracy, a market economy and human rights, when it had taken European counties decades and even centuries to reach where they are today.

Mr Mikhail Gorbachev at Trinity College today

World politics today leaves much to be desired, he added. Mr Gorbachev said current polices and attitudes were "behind the times".

Mr Gorbachev said that while watching the debate on development of Europe, he was reminded of the criticism he received for being too slow when initiating change.

But, he said, he was "always sure the pace of change had to be prudent".

"I was followed by people with a quick fix - the dismantling of the country," he added.

"Well, the victim is back on its feet", he added wryly. "Now I often hear Gorbachev was right . . . when he wanted an evoluntionary step by step reform."

Recent economic, political and social development in Ireland was praised by Mr Gorbachev, who applauded a country "at the vanguard" of progress.

Accepting his degree on behalf of all those who shared the political risks of Perestroika, Mr Gorbachev promised that as a graduate of TCD he would return regularly.

Mr Gorbachev will be the guest of honour at dinner this evening with the Minister for Education and Science, Dr Woods at Dublin Castle.

Following a press conference tomorrow morning, Mr Gorbachev will be granted the freedom of Dublin City at the City Hall at 4 p.m.

Mr Gorbachev served as president of the Soviet Union from 1989 to 1991 and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1990.