During the last few years, dramatic changes
have taken place in the relationship between East and West. Confrontation has
been replaced by negotiations. Old European nation states have regained their
freedom. The arms race is slowing down and we see a definite and active process
in the direction of arms control and disarmament. Several regional conflicts
have been solved or have at least come closer to a solution. The UN is beginning
to play the role which was originally planned for it in an international
community governed by law.
These historic changes spring from several factors, but in 1990 the Nobel
Committee wants to honor Mikhail Gorbachev for his many and decisive
contributions. The greater openness he has brought about in Soviet society has
also helped promote international trust.
In the opinion of the Committee, this peace process, which Gorbachev has
contributed so significantly to, opens up new possibilities for the world
community to solve its pressing problems across ideological, religious,
historical and cultural dividing lines.
Official site:
http://www.mikhailgorbachev.org