Gorbachev: U.S. Should Support Raul Castro's Reforms In Cuba

Miami, FL (AHN) - At a speaking engagement in Florida, former Soviet Union leader Mikhail Gorbachev urged the United States and Latin America to support Raul Castro has he introduces reforms in Cuba.

At 77 years-old, Gorbachev is best remembered as the former General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) who helped introduce sweeping reforms in Russia like perestroika (restructuring) and glasnost (openness).

"I believe that Raul Castro will continue in, many ways, the cause of his brother, but I do believe that there will be changes. I believe that both the Americans and Latin America should respond and help facilitate that change," Gorbachev said during a speech at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

"I've visited Cuba, and Cuban leaders visited Russia many times... I knew both Fidel and Raul Castro well. Fidel and I had a very friendly relationship and a direct discussion of all questions. When I was still working in Stavropol in the south of Russia, Raul and his wife came to visit as our guest, so I know Raul too."

I have said many times, including here in Florida, that the economic embargo should be lifted," Gorbachev explained. "I recommended that when I was the Soviet leader to President [George H.W.] Bush, but there are certain things in this country that take a long time to solve."

"I think it was a mistake [for the West] to demonize Fidel Castro; he was an outstanding and very talented leader. Fidel responded to the peoples' need for independence and Cuba is an independent country. I believe it's a good country, even though they are facing difficulties," Gorbachev said.

"I think that the Cuban revolution was, in its time, a truly popular revolution. Today, the Cuban people are educated, they are healthy and they live well. I believe that they have one of the best medical systems among other achievements. I believe that we have to recognize that the revolution was the choice of the Cuban people and every nation must be allowed to make its own free choices." Gorbachev added.