Gorbachev Criticizes Editors

President Mikhail S. Gorbachev has sharply criticized progressive newspaper editors and parliamentary deputies for “irresponsible” and “inflammatory” statements and articles that could endanger his perestroika reform program.

The Soviet leader’s criticism of some of the best-known standard-bearers of glasnost, or openness, came at a closed-door meeting Friday with leading Soviet editors and cultural figures.

Participants in the meeting provided Western reporters with an account of Gorbachev’s remarks that, contrary to usual practice, have not yet been published in the Soviet press.

According to Vitaly Korotich, editor of the progressive weekly Ogonyok, Gorbachev accused left-wing radicals of aggravating a dangerous political situation with provocative articles and statements. He said Gorbachev also condemned factional in-fighting between progressives and conservatives.

Participants said Gorbachev was the only speaker at the two-hour meeting, attended by most members of the Communist Party’s ruling Politburo. Similar meetings in the past have usually involved a spirited back-and-forth between Gorbachev and the editors.

It was unclear whether Gorbachev’s remarks would herald a change in official policy toward the press, which has become increasingly bold and outspoken over the last two years. Participants at the meeting seemed to come away with different impressions, with some describing Gorbachev as angry and others reporting that he was his normal self.

“I want to wait a bit before drawing real conclusions. After these meetings with Gorbachev, there is always a series of meetings at lower levels,” said Korotich, a frequent target for attacks by conservatives.