Gorbachev Mellows on 1 Germany : Reunification: Kremlin leader meets East German prime minister and tells him unity is not in doubt, but to proceed carefully.

Soviet President Mikhail S. Gorbachev said today the idea of German unity was not in doubt but needed careful preparation and responsibility on all sides.

The official press agency Tass said Gorbachev made his remarks to East German reporters just before he began talks at the Kremlin with East Germany’s beleaguered Prime Minister Hans Modrow.

Asked for his views on the unification of the two German states, the Kremlin chief said the unity question “was not unexpected. In principle, no one puts it in doubt.”

The Soviet Union in past years has strongly opposed any talk of German reunification, but has mellowed somewhat as Gorbachev remolds foreign policy and democratic change sweeps Eastern Europe.

Gorbachev added, as quoted by Tass: “However, the course of events in the world, in the G.D.R. (East Germany) and in the U.S.S.R. demand profound reflection on, and an analytical approach to, this question, which is an important aspect of European and international politics.

“Time itself is pressing on this process, giving dynamism to it. It is necessary to act responsibly and not decide this important question on the streets.”

In his remarks as cited by Tass, Gorbachev indicated Moscow wanted to see the unity process as part of further overall European agreements on security and cooperation and reduction of military confrontation.

“There are two states, four-power obligations still exist, and there is the European process,” he said.

“All this must be combined in the common interest, with no infringement of the interests of any of the sides involved.”

Under post-World War II agreements, the four wartime allies--the Soviet Union, the United States, Britain and France--were responsible for the administration of Germany.

Modrow flew to the Soviet capital after agreeing to form a “national unity” government in East Berlin with no party affiliation and calling elections in March, in which the long-ruling Communists are likely to be swept aside.

Modrow said the two German states could work in a series of stages toward a form of confederation, with no time limit set.

He said he agreed with Gorbachev that the question of reunification is one that must be decided not only by East and West Germany, but by all of Europe.

“It’s difficult to set some time limit,” Modrow said.