Gorbachev is dead: Can foreign guests go to the funeral despite the entry ban?
Created: 08/31/2022, 08:45
By: Tobias Utz, Moritz Serif
Mikhail Gorbachev is dead: the reactions in a compact overview.
Update from Wednesday, August 31, 8:30 a.m .:
Mikhail Gorbachev died at the age of 91.
It is currently unclear which international guests will come to Moscow for the funeral.
Russia has imposed entry bans on high-ranking EU politicians.
Conversely, Russians cannot enter the EU.
The Kremlin has blocked the airspace for "unfriendly EU countries".
Russian President Vladimir Putin and former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev (l) speak to each other at a press conference in Gottorf Castle.
© Carsten Rehder/dpa
First report from Wednesday, August 31:
Frankfurt – Mikhail Gorbachev died at the age of 91.
The death of the former head of state of the Soviet Union and Nobel Peace Prize winner triggered worldwide mourning on Wednesday night (August 31).
In particular, personalities from politics immediately commented on this -
an overview.
Mikhail Gorbachev is dead: These are the international reactions
Vladimir Putin:
The Russian President expressed his condolences on the death of Gorbachev.
He announced this through his spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
Peskov stressed that Putin will send a telegram to the former Soviet leader's family on Wednesday.
António Guterres:
The Secretary General of the United Nations was "deeply sad" at the news of Gorbachev's death.
"He did more than anyone else to bring the Cold War to a peaceful end," explained Guteres.
The UN Secretary General expressed his condolences to the family.
Boris Johnson:
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also commented on the news of Mikhail Gorbachev's death.
"I have always admired the courage and integrity he showed in bringing the Cold War to a peaceful end," Johnson said.
"At a time of Putin's aggression in Ukraine, his tireless commitment to opening up Soviet society remains an example for all of us," he said.
Ursula von der Leyen:
The President of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, also expressed her sympathy.
"He played a crucial role in ending the Cold War and the fall of the Iron Curtain," she said in a statement.
“He paved the way for a free Europe.
We will never forget this legacy.”
Kathrin Göring-Eckhardt:
Bundestag Vice President Kathrin Göring-Eckhardt emphasized Gorbachev's historical achievements in politics.
Without him, "the peaceful revolutions in the countries of the Eastern Bloc would not have been conceivable here," said the Green politician.
"His words have encouraged us, made me strong."
Cem Özdemir:
Federal Minister of Agriculture Cem Özdemir also expressed his condolences on the death of the former head of state of the Soviet Union.
"His death is depressing.
Even more so at this time,” says Özdemir.
"I bow to a great politician of peace Michael Gorbachev RIP".
Mikhail Gorbachev in 1990. (Archive photo) © Yuryi Abramochkin / Imago Images
Summer 1989
Because Gorbachev was serious
(tu/mse with dpa/AFP)