Remarks on the Departure
of General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev of the
The President. Mr. General Secretary,
these last few days have been exciting, indeed, for both of us and for our
fellow countrymen who followed the course of our discussions. I'm pleased to
report that upon the completion of our business that this summit has been a
clear success. Like the star on the top of the National Christmas Tree, which
was lit the evening you arrived, Mr. General Secretary, this summit has lit the
sky with hope for all people of good will. And as we leave, it is up to both
sides to ensure that the luster does not wear off and to follow through on our
commitments as we move forward to the next steps in improving the relations
between our countries and peoples.
I
believe both the General Secretary and I can walk away from our meetings with a
sense of accomplishment. We have proven that adversaries, even with the most
basic philosophical differences, can talk candidly and respectfully with one
another and, with perseverance, find common ground. We did not hide from the
weighty differences that separate us; many of them, of course, remain. One of
my predecessors, President Franklin Roosevelt, once said: ``History cannot be
rewritten by wishful thinking.'' Our discussions, in that spirit, were
straightforward and designed to open a thoughtful communication between our governments
on the critical issues that confront us.
Our
exchange on the subject of human rights underscored the priority we in the
Western democracies place on respect for fundamental freedoms. I'm pleased that
during this summit we addressed this area of heartfelt importance and have
ensured a continuing dialog on human rights at the highest levels of our
governments.
Our
discussions on regional conflicts were no less to the point. These conflicts
continue to take a heavy toll in lives and impose a heavy burden on East-West
relations. The General Secretary and I expressed different points of view -- we
did so bluntly -- and for that reason alone, our talks have been useful in this
area. Moreover, we agree that it is necessary to search for real political
solutions to these conflicts. But so far, we cannot be satisfied with what has
been achieved. We must now press ahead in the search for political solutions
that advance the cause of peace and freedom for the people suffering in these
wars. The door has been opened, and it will stay open to serious discussion of
ending these regional conflicts.
And
as far as open doors, Mr. Gorbachev and I both agree on the desirability of
freer and more extensive personal contact and the breaking down of artificial
barriers between the peoples of the
Of
course, the greatest accomplishment of these 3 days was the signing of a treaty
to eliminate a whole class of
The
INF treaty, as proud of it as we are, should be viewed as a beginning, not an
end. Further arms reduction is now possible. I am pleased some progress has
been made toward a strategic arms reduction treaty over the last 3 days.
Individual agreements will not, in and of themselves, result in sustained
progress. We need a realistic understanding of each other's intentions and objectives,
a process for dealing with differences in a practical and straightforward
manner; and we need patience, creativity, and persistence in achieving what we
set out to do. As a result of this summit, the framework for building such a
relationship has been strengthened.
I
am determined to use this framework. My goal -- which I believe you share, Mr.
General Secretary -- is a more constructive relationship between our
governments, long-lasting rather than transitory improvements. Together, we can
bring about a more secure and prosperous future for our peoples and a more
peaceful world. Both of us are aware of the difficult challenges and special
responsibilities inherent in this task.
During
World War II, when so many young Russians served at the front, the poem ``Wait For Me'' became a prayer spoken on the lips of Russian
families who dreamed one day of the happiness that their reunion would bring.
The cause of world peace and world freedom is still waiting, Mr. General
Secretary. It has waited long enough.
General
Secretary Gorbachev, Mrs. Gorbachev, it is good that you came to
Thank
you, and Godspeed on your journey.
The General Secretary. Esteemed Mr. President,
esteemed Mrs. Reagan, ladies and gentlemen, in these last hours before our
departure for home, we note with satisfaction that the visit to
A
good deal has been accomplished. I would like to emphasize in particular an
unprecedented step in the history of the nuclear age: the signing of the treaty
under which the two militarily and strategically greatest powers have assumed
an obligation to actually destroy a portion of their nuclear weapons, thus, we
hope, setting in motion the process of nuclear disarmament.
In
our talks with President Ronald Reagan, some headway has been made on the
central issue of that process -- achieving substantial reductions of strategic
offensive arms, which are the most potent weapons in the world -- although we
still have a lot of work to do. We have had a useful exchange of views, which
has clarified each other's positions concerning regional conflicts, the
development of our bilateral ties, and human rights. On some of these aspects,
it seems likely that we can soon identify specific solutions satisfactory both
to us and to other countries. A useful result of the
While
this visit has centered on our talks with the President of the
In
bidding farewell to America, I am looking forward to a new encounter with it,
in the hope that I will then be able to see not only its Capital but also to
meet face-to-face with its great people, to chat and to have some lively
exchanges with ordinary Americans. I believe that what we have accomplished
during the meeting and the discussions will, with time, help considerably to
improve the atmosphere in the world at large and in
Today
the
Note: The President
spoke at