Tribute from Prominent World Politicians to Ronald Reagan's Character - 2004-06-06

Prominent world politicians remember President Ronald Reagan as a man with an extraordinarily charismatic personality who changed the course of global events. Jacques Chirac, the President of France, stated that the 40th President of the United States left a profound impact on international history due to his commitment to democracy. Helmut Kohl, the former Chancellor of Germany, described Mr. Reagan as a fortunate politician for the world. Margaret Thatcher, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, remarked that Ronald Reagan played a more significant role than other world leaders in winning the Cold War, achieving this without firing a single shot. Mikhail Gorbachev, the last leader of the Soviet Union, praised Ronald Reagan as a great president who transformed the relationship between the two superpowers of the Cold War. Mr. Gorbachev also expressed deep sorrow over the news of Ronald Reagan's passing in an interview with Russian radio today. The former Kremlin leader stated that although President Reagan was considered a staunch conservative, it was he who proposed halting the nuclear arms race, initiated the dismantling of nuclear arsenals, and improved relations between Washington and Moscow. Mr. Gorbachev said Ronald Reagan was the initiator of a process that ultimately ended the Cold War. The collapse of the Soviet Union began in 1989 when Ronald Reagan left the White House, and the Soviet country was officially dissolved in 1991. Meanwhile, across America, flags have been flown at half-mast in mourning for Ronald Reagan.