Meeting of Russian Republic Parliament

President Gorbachev described the actions and motives of the plotters who had him detained in Crimea during the brief Soviet coup. He praised the strength and courage of the Soviet citizens who resisted the coup and called special attention to Russian President Boris Yeltsin. President Yeltsin was present and also spoke on the coup. President Gorbachev insisted that he would push forward with the Union treaty, which would give more autonomy to the Soviet republics. He answered questions, some very hostile, from the Parliament members. President Gorbachev praised many Soviet officials who resisted the coup and denounced others who cooperated with coup leaders. President Yeltsin insisted Soviet President Gorbachev read the minutes of a meeting of his Cabinet to indicate which members failed to oppose the coup. Translation from Russian to English was by voice-over. close