14.05.09

Former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev has called for getting back to the idea of a free economic space of Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Kazakhstan.

"I believe it is not too late to bring this idea to the forefront again," he told the media.

In Gorbachev's opinion, the leaders of Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Kazakhstan might sign a memorandum in which they would reaffirm their full sovereignty following the breakup of the USSR. That would put an end to all disputes, including territorial ones.

Simultaneously it would be possible for these countries to declare creation of a free economic space.

In Gorbachev's opinion, "those at the feeding rack" will be surely against, "but if the people are asked, they will certainly say they are for it."

"There must be a memorandum, may the public forces come up with it," Gorbachev said.

He acknowledged that he shared the feelings of those nostalgic about the USSR.

"A common economic space of the four former Soviet republics would integrate practically 80 percent of the former USSR's potential. That would be a blessing for the post-Soviet space and for Europe from various points of view, including that of strengthening the common European home," Gorbachev said.

He believes that restoring the USSR is no longer possible.

"I believe that at a certain point the USSR could have been preserved, but restoring it now would be unrealistic," he said.

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Source: Itar-Tass