unitex@rubbs.fidonet.org (unitex) (09/19/89)
Gorbachev's Internal Problems Deepen (ABC story) Posting Date: 09/18/89 Source: UNITEX Network, Hoboken, NJ, USA Host: (201) 795-0733 ISSN: 1043-7932 ABC News Jim Laurie Moscow, USSR Soviet leader Gorbachev has been meeting with political leaders in the Baltic republics, who have been demanding greater political and economic freedom. This meeting is another example of how Gorbachev must bring his personal influence to bear to solve the many problems facing his government. However, there is a question about how long he will have influence. A Soviet rock video sings about a nation coming apart. Such feelings are widespread, with talk in the press of the possibility of Gorbachev losing power. On September 9, GORBACHEV said there are threats of impending chaos, even civil war because someone wants to create an atmosphere of hopelessness and insecurity. The reports of ethnic unrest are a daily occurrence, with nationalist movements active in more than 6 regions. Old line Communist conservatives have called for tougher action against nationalist movements. With a worsening economy and rations on everything, people are fed up. On the streets, people say Gorbachev speaks pretty words and makes promises they don't believe. Gorbachev has tried to take a middle course in overhauling the economy, with more free enterprise and less central planning, but it hasn't made a difference to consumers. Conservatives want Gorbachev to return to old Communist methods, and others urge him to be more radical. Gorbachev says he'd rather resign than go back to the old ways, but warns of hard times ahead. It's unlikely Gorbachev's opponents will try to remove him now, even if they could. Soviet editor VITALY KOROTICH says they understand that if they overthrow him, they'll have the same problems. * Origin: UNITEX --> Toward a United Species (1:107/501) --- Patt Haring | United Nations | FAX: 212-787-1726 patth@sci.ccny.cuny.edu | Information | BBS: 201-795-0733 patth@ccnysci.BITNET | Transfer Exchange | (3/12/24/9600 Baud) -=- Every child smiles in the same language. -=-