(ANSA) - ROME, SEPTEMBER 03 - Mikhail Gorbachev's funeral home opened at 10 am (9 am Italian time) in the historic hall of the Columns of the House of Trade Unions in Moscow: about 2,000 people lined up to give their last farewell in a civil commemoration to the last leader of the Soviet Union.
The line passes by the side of the Bolshoi theater and reaches the Casadei trade unions where in the past the funeral for all the Soviet leaders, starting with Stalin, took place.
The farewell to Gorbachev, according to the Russian media, is organized by the protocol service of the Russian presidential administration.
But, as announced, President Vladimir Putin is not expected to attend.
(HANDLE).