LONDON, England (AP) -- The United States is in need of its own dose of perestroika (Перестро́йка), or restructuring, Mikhail Gorbachev, the man who brought such reforms to the Soviet Union, said Tuesday.

Leaders should also be able to evaluate situations, formulate goals and convince people of their plans, he said. "The world needs a new vision, new policies," he said, opening a two-day conference in London. "I support the movement that says a different world is possible."

Although he did not comment on specific events, Gorbachev said democracy and tolerance were crucial principles.

After initiating wide-ranging changes as president from 1985 until 1991, Gorbachev was forced to step down when the Soviet Union broke up. Boris Yeltsin defeated him when he ran again in 1996.

"I am almost 75 years old but I've been trying to exercise every day," he said. "That will enable you to take the blows," he added. "We're no longer high priests who just discuss ideas." 

Source: CNN. Gorbachev: U.S. needs perestroika