November 6, 2009

gulfnews : How a picnic led to the fall

gulfnews : How a picnic led to the fall: "In August 1989, his government granted local democracy activists permission to organise a symbolic event on the border near Sopron — a 'pan-European picnic', in which they would share food, refreshment and declarations of cooperation with their Austrian neighbours. A rural border gate would be opened for just three hours to allow approved delegates to pass through.

Behind the scenes, authorities made sure several hundred East Germans were made aware of the August 19 event, and Nemeth has said he issued orders that border guards should let them pass."

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