SPECIAL EDITION: CRISIS IN THE KREMLIM

GERMANY Chancellor Helmut Kohl scheduled a crisis meeting for today with his government and major political parties. Kohl, a close ally of Gorbachev, warned the new Soviet leadership that aid is contingent on continued democratization and reform. Meanwhile, more than 1,000 Germans marched in support of Gorbachev in scattered demonstrations. BRITAIN Prime Minister John Major condemned Gorbachev’s ouster as a “very ominous development” and swiftly froze aid to the Soviet Union. Former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher urged Major to reconsider planned defense cuts, and even urged the Soviet people to take to the streets and protest. CHINA The official New China News Agency indicated sympathy for the overthrow. It reported that “extremist forces had emerged in the Soviet Union whose objectives are to destroy the country, to split it and seize the state power at all costs.” JAPAN Tokyo gave a muted response to Gorbachev’s ouster, saying only that it hopes the policies of glasnost and perestroika remain intact. Privately, some Japanese officials expressed pessimism over the potential for bringing the Soviet Union into the world economy. CUBA Cuba, long suspicious of Gorbachev’s reforms in the Soviet Union, anxiously waited to see how his fall would affect future aid and relations with its Communist benefactor. A visiting Soviet official assured that existing trade and cooperation agreements would be honored. CZECHOSLOVAKIA President Vaclav Havel noted that the Soviet crisis came just before the Aug. 21 anniversary of the Soviet-led invasion of Czechoslovakia 23 years ago. But he added: “We are convinced that the developments on the road toward democracy are irrevocable, even in the Soviet Union, and that democratic forces will celebrate victory in the end.”

ISRAEL Israel expressed concern over the future of Jewish immigration from the Soviet Union, as well as for plans for a Middle East peace conference. “I hope that whoever is in power in the Soviet Union will understand the importance of open gates for the Soviet Jews,” Foreign Minister David Levy said.

IRAQ Iraqis welcomed Gorbachev’s removal. Many felt betrayed by Gorbachev during the Gulf crisis. An official spokesman said Iraq considered the Soviet Union a friend and would respond to any positive moves by its new leaders.