Mikhail Gorbachev News Laugh at death

Moscow - The architect of glasnost - or 'openness' - which is the last Soviet leader, Mikhail Gorbachev, was reported dead. News of his death first appeared in a tweet on the microblogging site Twitter.

Within seconds, the report spread, and eventually reached the ears of a statesman who is now 81 years old. Laughter first heard it, he later commented, "The report of my death are greatly exaggerated."

An aide said Gorbachev is in good condition and excellent health. "It's interesting what people write. Tell them that I am still alive and still working," the message.

Rumors of his death began when the person with the same name was found dead near St. Petersburg. However, the events which took place two years ago was only enlivened on Twitter yesterday. Also reported yesterday in Moscow that Gorbachev was in the hospital - but not with severe pain conditions.

Vladimir Polyakov, his aide, claimed to be confused with the news. "Who started it? I was told he had discussed on Twitter, but no one could tell where the tweet came first," he said.