Word: raisa
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: during 2000-2009
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
...tone of can-do urgency. Shortly after assuming office, Gorbachev declared a crack-down on alcoholism. As if to underscore the contrast with his aged and often invisible predecessors, he traveled widely, exchanging his fedora for a hard hat to inspect factories and showing off his stylish First Lady Raisa abroad. Gorbachev also moved quickly to consolidate his personal power. His principal rival for the top job, Grigori Romanov, suffered the indignity of sudden retirement. After 28 years as Foreign Minister, Gromyko was kicked upstairs, to the largely ceremonial position of President. And last week Viktor Grishin, a longtime associate...
...Ilyushin-62 jet arrived from Moscow--at the same time as the ceremonial opening of Iceland's parliament. It was bad advance work by Moscow, for it meant that neither Iceland's President nor Prime Minister could be there to greet the Soviet leader. He and his wife Raisa were met instead by Foreign Minister Matthias Matthiesen. "We told Moscow about the opening of the parliament," lamented a Soviet embassy vice-consul, "but they decided it was too late to change plans...
...Raisa Gorbachev fit into Icelandic plans perfectly. For two days the genteel Raisa was an enthusiastic booster of Icelandic ways and wares. Dressed in a three-quarter-length silver-fox coat and black suede boots with a matching handbag, she appeared at a popular public swimming pool fed by sulfurous waters from Iceland's famed geothermal springs. The swimmers, who apparently had not been informed of the visit, paddled through the steamy mist in rubber caps and goggles to greet the Soviet First Lady. When Raisa applauded them, they clapped in return like performing seals. She then leaned over...
...Raisa was later asked by reporters whether she was disappointed that Nancy Reagan did not come. In a reply that seemed as portentous as a line from a 1930s film noir, she said, "Maybe she had her reasons--obligations, or maybe she is not well." But just maybe Nancy Reagan knew she would be competing for attention with T shirts and teacups. --By Richard Stengel. Reported by Christopher Ogden and Alessandra Stanley/Reykjav...
...Soviet advantage was underscored by the decision to have Raisa Gorbachev go to the Reykjavík meeting after all, even though Nancy Reagan was not attending. Asked about her presence, one Soviet newsman shrugged, "Women are often unpredictable." But more than mere whim seemed to be involved. The Soviets seemed to be aping the American tradition that a leader abroad is more appealing when accompanied by an adoring spouse...