U.S. honours Gorbachev for ending Cold War

The last Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev will receive the 2008 Liberty Medal from the U.S. National Constitution Center. He is being recognised for his role in ending the Cold War and giving freedom to millions who lived behind the Iron Curtain.

The Liberty Medal will be presented to Gorbachev by George Bush Sr. in September.

The award annually honours people across the world who advocate liberty.

Previously, it's been presented to Bill Clinton, Ukraine’s President Viktor Yushchenko and Irish musician Bono.