Gorbachev creates anti-corruption movement

MOSCOW, Oct. 20 (UPI) -- Mikhail Gorbachev, who led the former Soviet Union, announced the creation of a new anti-corruption Russian political movement Saturday.

The former general secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union said his Union of Social-Democrats would focus on fighting corruption and "negative tendencies" throughout Russia, the BBC reported.

The former Soviet Union leader said his political group approved to Russian President Vladimir Putin's current reform plans for Russia.

The BBC said Gorbachev also explained that his new party would not take part in the general elections this December, which Putin's United Russia party is expected to win.

The 76-year-old politician said the Union of Social-Democrats would attempt to fight corruption in Russia, along with promoting true political debate and ending unfair pressure on non-governmental groups.

"We are fighting for power, but only for power over people's minds," the former Communist leader said.