Statement by Deputy Press Secretary Speakes on the Death of President Leonid I. Brezhnev of the Soviet Union
The President is expressing his personal condolences to Mr. Kuznetsov, First Deputy Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R., on the death of Soviet President Brezhnev. A high-level delegation will represent the United States at the memorial ceremonies in Moscow.
As leader of the Soviet Union for nearly two decades, President Brezhnev was one of the world's most important figures. President Brezhnev played a very significant role in the shaping of U.S.-Soviet relations during his Presidency.
President Reagan in conveying to the Soviet Government the strong desire of the United States to continue to work for an improved relationship with the Soviet Union and to maintain an active dialog between our societies on all important issues. The President looks forward to a constructive relationship with the new leadership of the Soviet Union.
Ronald Reagan, Statement by Deputy Press Secretary Speakes on the Death of President Leonid I. Brezhnev of the Soviet Union Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/245414