Gorbachev is sure that Washington is to maintain good relations with Russia

Former USSR President Mikhail Gorbachev, who has just returned from a tour of the U.S., has said he is certain that Washington is willing to maintain good relations with Moscow. "We held numerous useful and fruitful meetings, and I am sure that the new administration in the United States is willing to develop normal constructive relations with Russia," Gorbachev said in an interview with Interfax upon his return to Moscow on Friday. Gorbachev refrained from in-depth comments on the results of his two-week trip to the U.S., explaining it by tiredness after a long flight, saying only that he is satisfied with the results, Interfax reports. During his visit, Gorbachev met with U.S. President George W. Bush, Secretary of State Colin Powell, other public and political figures and business circles.