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Last Soviet leader demonstrates he is still fit to appear in public

The former Soviet leader expressed concern over the worsening of ties between Russia and Germany

MOSCOW, July 21. /TASS/. The former president of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev, who took part on Tuesday in the presentation of a book by German politician Wilfried Scharnagl, said he was still fit to appear in public.

"I have been watching [former US President George W.] Bush, [former German Chancellor] Helmut Kohl, and others, who gradually surrendered walking sticks for powered wheelchairs," he said.

"I should say that I purposefully left my crutch at home today to appear fit in front of you," he said in the early remarks at the presentation.

The former Soviet leader also expressed concern over the worsening of ties between Russia and Germany, urging them to restore the former level of trust, partnership and develop its potentials.