Five days before the fall of the wall, a major event takes place in East Berlin. It brings between 500,000 and one million people from claiming more reforms and more freedom for the press.
November 9, 1989, during a press conference to present the original legislation governing the regulation of travel, Günter Schabowski, the government spokesman, responding to an Italian journalist finally announced, that "provision allows any citizen of the GDR to leave the country through the border crossings of the GDR." It's 6:56 p.m..
At the same time, the German journalist, Jochen Sprentzel, getting ready for a show. He remembers his amazement.
"I was already preparing myself for the show, makeup, lighting, etc. When suddenly, the editor said, "get ready, the wall is open, Walter Momper, the mayor of Berlin at the time, will come to the studio." And then they showed this statement Schabowski, this famous scene on the right to travel, etc. I was completely shocked, we had planned a completely different issue. We do not believe that something so important could happen. This half-hour, the show - which was improvised soon after the declaration of Schabowski - that's what is also important for the grandchildren. This is something else, and for me, as Berliners, it's the highlight of my career, "said Jochen Sprentzel.
"The wall is open," said Schabowski. Silent amazement in the room, then signal for battle. Questions from journalists fuse. Some rush towards the exit. Former Soviet correspondent in Berlin, Vyacheslav Mostovoy was present. He says. "It was towards the end of the press conference. Initially, Schabowski talked about common things.
And towards the end, he said: "By the way, today, we took the decision to open the border." Entire hall was silent. Behind us and someone got up abruptly and left the room running. For all of us who know the principles of German politics, it was totally unexpected, "said Vyacheslav Mostovoy.
Like thousands of people, while still under the shock of the announcement, Vyacheslav Mostovoy
went to what would become the symbol of German reunification, the Brandenburg Gate.
"My colleague Alexander Maslyakov then famous TV presenter in the Soviet Union came to Berlin. We wanted to do a story for her show. We went with the cameraman in front of the Brandenburg Gate. We got out the camera and started filming. There were a few people sitting on a bench on the Unter den Linden. Two of them approached us and asked if we had permission to film. They added that without permission, we could not shoot like that. My colleague was very surprised, "continues Vyacheslav Mostovoy.
On the night of November 9 to 10, 1989, East Germans of thousands flock to the border of West Berlin. Border guards open the passages. Germany is jubilant.
"I was driving in a car with a sunroof. We opened the cameraman got up and he filmed. It was unforgettable. All the people around us cheered. They shouted hurray! No matter who was in the car, the people were so happy that he applauded all those who crossed the border, he cried and cried Hurrah, "recalls Vyacheslav Mostovoy.
"Two days ago, I fractured my ankle by jogging. I had crutches and a leg cast to present the show. It was laborious. God thank you, I could sit, we saw nothing of my leg cast. Then I went home. I told my wife to turn on the TV. She said, "no TV. We go to the border, plaster or not! You must take your crutches and go. " It really was the right decision. It was like rush hour all night in Berlin. There were so many people and we could see the first Trabants. It was like a carnival on both sides. People were seen dancing on the wall. It was incredible. Twenty-five years later, it's still hard to describe, "concludes Jochen Sprentzel.
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