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Former Soviet leader Gorbachev to present his new book about his life after Kremlin

The central chapter is dedicated to pondering on Russia’s way

MOSCOW, November 20. /TASS/. The former USSR’s first and only President Mikhail Gorbachev will present on Thursday his new book, “After the Kremlin,” where he tells about his life after resignation, but, as a matter of fact, ponders over the country’s history over and over again.

Dwelling on what had prompted him to take up the pen once again, he said it was not just his bent to share memoirs of reforms he had tried to begin at the end of the last century. “We talks and talk but nothing changes. What I said five year ago is the same today. So, something must be wrong,” he told TASS.

In his book, Gorbachev recalls “perestroika” experiences, cites his conversations with his supporters and opponents, shares impressions of his meetings with leading Russian and European politicians. The narration starts with his last days in the Kremlin… and whith what he thinks of the present-day Russia.

“Changes Russia is facing and needs as air cannot and must not be a replication of perestroika. But there is no avoiding them. The longer is the delay with their start, the more painful they are going to be,” he writes. And one more abstract: “Russia, with its unrealized potential, will be able to take part in the search for answers to universal challenges. But to be able to do that, it must become strong, it must modernize itself. I believe that Russia can be and will be that way. But I see its success only on a democratic path.”

The central chapter is dedicated to pondering on Russia’s way. Here are just a few section headings: “Putin: The Beginning.” “More Questions…,” “The Party of New Bureaucrats,” “Difficulties of the Democratic Process,” “Global Crisis Testing,” Dialogue Between the Authorities and Society Is Needed.”

Gorbachev promised to write another book two years ago, when he presented his memoirs “Alone With Myself.” It was a very intimate narration that ended at the moment of his resignation as the USSR president. “This new book is different in terms of methods, approaches, but it is about the same matters,” he said.

Having left the Kremlin, Gorbachev, for 25 years, have been heading the Foundation for Socio-Economic and Political Studies, or the Gorbachev Foundation. A Nobel Peace Prize winner, Gorbachev takes part in the activities of international organizations and engages in charity.

The six years he was at the helm of power (from 1985 to 1991) gave an impetus not only to political reforms in Russia but also prompted global changes. Summing up the results of his presidency, Gorbachev credits himself with contributing to the end of the Cold War and reunification of Germany. “I am glad, we did it,” he used to say.

During the recent celebrations of the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, the former Soviet leader called on the West and Russia to pool efforts to work out a concept of building a common European home. He warned against unleashing a new Cold War and expressed confidence the West and Russia were able to find points of contact.

Gorbachev wrote his first book, “Perestroika New Thinking for Our Country and the World,” in 1987, when was the Secretary General of the USSR Communist Party’s Central Committee. Even now, thinks the Soviet Union could have been saved if “perestroika” had not been cut short and the country had opted for another path. Later, in 1995, he published another book, “Life and Reforms,” that was followed by a book dedicated to the reunification of Germany and another one about “perestroika.”

Since 2008, the Gorbachev Foundation has been publishing complete works by the former Soviet leader that will include all of his articles and speeches.

The 400-page book “After the Kremlin” was published by Ves Mir (All World) Publishing House.