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Hans-Dietrich Genscher becomes West Germany's Foreign Minister and Vice-Chancellor, a position he holds until 1992.
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Genscher is instrumental in the signing of the Helsinki Accords, which improved relations between the Eastern and Western blocs and promoted human rights.
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Hungary begins dismantling its border fence with Austria, creating the first "hole" in the Iron Curtain. Genscher supports this move, which allows thousands of East Germans to flee to the West via Hungary.
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Genscher negotiates with Hungary to allow tens of thousands of East German refugees in Hungary who were staying in embassies to officially emigrate to West Germany.
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The Berlin Wall falls after an East German government announcement leads to confusion, and border guards allow East Germans to pass through the Wall. Genscher's prior efforts in facilitating the exodus of East Germans and maintaining international pressure on the East German government contribute to this pivotal moment.
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West German Chancellor Helmut Kohl presents a 10-point plan for the gradual reunification of Germany. Genscher supports Kohl’s plan
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Genscher continues to serve as Foreign Minister and Vice-Chancellor in the unified Germany until his retirement in 1992. His efforts are acknowledged as pivotal in the peaceful transition of Germany from division to unity.
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The "Two Plus Four" talks begin, involving the two German states and the four Allied powers (the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and France).
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The "Two Plus Four" Treaty is signed in Moscow, formally ending the rights of the Allied powers in Germany and paving the way for reunification.
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Germany is officially reunified.