China and US establish diplomatic relations. Solidarity labor union strikes led by Lech Walesa in Poland. Walesa gets Nobel Peace Prize. Pope John Paul II visits Poland. Gorbachev and reform plans receive cool reception in Romania.
Tensions rise in Kosovo, Yugoslavia.
Gobachev admits Stalin committed heinous crimes. USSR announces pull-out from Afghanistan. Fighting breaks out in Nagorno-Karabakh region in Azerbaijan upon demands to reunify with Armenia. Bulgaria stops jamming Radio Free Europe. Earthquake in Armenia kills 25,000.