Gunter Schabowski the man who accidentally sparked the Fall of the Berlin Wall dies

[webfact]

Gunter Schabowski the man who accidentally sparked the Fall of the Berlin Wall dies



BERLIN: -- Gunter Schabowski the East German spokesperson whose error led to the demise of the Berlin Wall has died aged 86.

At a news conference in 1989 Schabowski said travel restrictions on East German citizens
would be lifted immediately.

The mistake prompted tens of thousands to cross to the West.

He admitted that he ‘jumped the gun’ as the announcement was due the next day and the lifting of the restrictions would be phased in.


-- (c) Copyright Euronews 2015-11-02

[aslimversgwm]

What a wonderful 'mistake'. R.I.P. Gunter

[Credo]

What a wonderful 'mistake'. R.I.P. Gunter

Sadly, I don't think Merkel's mistake is going to work out as well, but only time will tell.

RIP.

[emilymat]

I remember it well. He was asked by a reporter "When will the relaxation of travel resitrictions take place" Obviously as he had not been properly briefed he said "immediately". Unbelievable that one word could cause such a change. The border guards were no more clued up either, but they had the sense not to try and stop the exodus.

Whatever, Gorbachov's failings, his refusal to support the East Germans in further supression, bought this about.

[ALLSEEINGEYE]

if you ask the republicans they will all say it was Reagan that did it.