Gorbachev awarded the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called

The former president of the USSR, Mikhail Gorbachev, has been awarded the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called on his 80th birthday, despite his criticism of the ruling tandem in Russia.

President Medvedev told Gorbachev about the awarding of the order at their meeting at his Gorki residence, ITAR-TASS reports.

Medveded stated that the award is an adequate appreciation of the work made by Gorbachev as the former head of state. The president stressed that Gorbachev was in office at a very difficult period of time for Russia. He added that it is also “a symbol of respect for the USSR as the motherland of all of us.”

Gorbachev expressed his gratitude to the president.