He was awarded with an international prize, which is conferred on acknowledged politicians by the Grecol fund, in Tarragona (Catalonia).
This alliance with a 700 million population "can become a driving force of the global world due to its potential, culture and history," Mikhail Gorbachev said.
According to him, the stabilization in Iraq needs the withdrawal of coalition forces and deployment of peacekeepers from Arab countries. It can prevent the war of civilizations, Mr. Gorbachev added.
The war in Iraq is the biggest mistake of the US administration and if the US does not withdraw foreign troops from Iraq, there will be no peace in the country, Mikhail Gorbachev said at the Barcelona-2004 world culture forum.
In his words, the world needs global changes of thoughts and ideas, first of all, the US, as this country has perverted view of the world and its processes.
The halls where the USSR ex-President was speaking were always full. El Periodico newspaper (Barcelona) said that Gorbachev's speeches are energetic, convincing and find full understanding.
