Word: ands
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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A. These demonstrations had been going on for several weeks. The situation became more aggravated on Oct. 9. Members of my and other parties refused to acknowledge that we were confronted with a popular movement aimed at bringing about a renewal in this country. I cannot confirm the existence of...
I was telephoned that evening by one of my political friends, then the second secretary of the district Helmut Hackenberg, who was in charge of the action. He informed me that several local personalities, including three secretaries of the party, had joined Gewandhaus Orchestra director Kurt Masur in a public...
That same week, in preparation for the next Monday, Oct. 16 ((when more demonstrations were expected)), I went to Leipzig, together with people who were responsible for security. We drew up instructions that 1) any kind of violent confrontation must be avoided, 2) in no case should firearms be used...
And there is one more thing, which I have not yet said in public. I told my political friends in Leipzig, no matter what the final order looks like, even if it should be a different order, you will refuse to use firearms. Today I'm glad we acted this...
A. Yes. It was not an easy decision for me because I was not General Secretary at the time. For me it was a question of conscience and a deep personal conviction that in the civilized world, conflicts can be resolved only by political means.