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Berlin Wall blunderer Guenter Schabowski dies at 86
Source: BBC
Berlin Wall blunderer Guenter Schabowski dies at 86
1 November 2015 Europe
A senior East German official whose impromptu announcement at a news conference led to the demise of the Berlin Wall in 1989 has died aged 86.
Guenter Schabowski said travel restrictions on the ex-state's citizens would be immediately lifted, prompting tens of thousands to cross to the West.
Officials had intended to phase in changes the next day, but the mass of people hastened the Wall's rapid fall.
The measures were intended to stem an exodus to Hungary amid mass protests.
Less than a year later, East and West Germany were reunited into one country, ending 45 years of division.
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1 November 2015 Europe
A senior East German official whose impromptu announcement at a news conference led to the demise of the Berlin Wall in 1989 has died aged 86.
Guenter Schabowski said travel restrictions on the ex-state's citizens would be immediately lifted, prompting tens of thousands to cross to the West.
Officials had intended to phase in changes the next day, but the mass of people hastened the Wall's rapid fall.
The measures were intended to stem an exodus to Hungary amid mass protests.
Less than a year later, East and West Germany were reunited into one country, ending 45 years of division.
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Read more: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34693104
