Mikhail Gorbachev? Former President of the Soviet Union to speak in Pasadena April 5, 2006

Mikhail Gorbachev,who served as leader of the Soviet Union from 1985 until its dissolution in 1991,is coming to Pasadena as part of the Distinguished Speaker Series. Known as a reformer, he began to democratize the oppressive system he inherited, bringing an end to Communist rule in the USSR and Eastern Europe. He helped bring about the end of the Cold War by signing two broad disarmament pacts with the West. He initiated a period of "perestroika," or government reform, that ushered in democratic and capitalist reforms in the USSR and implemented a policy of "glasnost," or openness. The country began to open public discussions about current and historical problems to the media and international community. His extraordinary achievements, earned him the 1990 Nobel Peace Prize. Gorbachev tickets are only available as part of a Series. Series tickets can be purchased by calling (310) 546-6222 or visit the www.speakersla.com