Shevardnadze Speaks on Foreign Policy, 25 July

Eduard Shevardnadze's speech contained an important statement that heralded a major change in the Soviet foreign policy: namely, the renunciation of the "class character" of international relations. His speech prompted an immediate reaction by the conservatives, most notably Ligachev and Chebrikov, and indeed marked the beginning of a process that culminated in the 30 September Central Committee Plenum and the ensuing reshuffle of the party leadership.