Solzhenitsyn bids farewell

CAVENDISH, VERMONT (AP) - The Russian author and dissident Alexander Solzhenitsyn bade farewell to his 'dear neighbours' as he prepared to return to Russia.

'You forgave me my unusual way of life, and even took it upon yourselves to protect my privacy,' he told residents gathered for Monday night's annual town meeting. He said he and his wife plan to return to Russia at the end of May, but that his sons would continue to call Cavendish home.