Transcript for Helmut Kohl in 1990: German reunification 'a dream that's come true'

And finally this week from overseas our person of the week not long ago he would've been a most unlikely choice. For one thing it is not hiring state to choose politicians simply because they have power or are good politicians. But then this year when the world began to change he knew better than most precisely how to grasp the moment. News and columns the remainder. It's a dream that's come true if you consider that starting last Sunday there are no longer any borders between the two Germany's. Helmut Kohl said today that the united Germany has been his dream throughout his entire political life. Okay. When the warm separated east Germany from the west began to come down last November and ordinary politician might have been overwhelmed. Helmut pool seize the moment. And Islamic guidance and didn't mention compiled people. Many people have memories of being tortured by this board a well mean people were shocked when they tried to cross this border. Hundreds and thousands were imprisoned because they only wants to leave the country. All of these memories and now history. So the west German leader went to work first he offered money to the east Germans as they reporting into west Berlin and they went shopping thanks to Helmut Kohl. A good way to win hearts and minds if you want to win elections. And later this year a unified Germany will hold elections. Helmut Kohl himself went east. The master politician that he is Helmut Kohl wants to become the first leader of the united Germany in fifty years. He would be the first since Adolf hit. And this week Helmut Kohl gave east Germany a most coveted prize Deutsche marks in the millions hard currency. A common currency that signals the merging of the two Germanys and says to those in the east and west Germany we'll pick up the burden. And guarantee them a future. Helmut Kohl was born to a politically active family in the state of Ryan land telephony in 1945. When he was only fifteen calls saw the horror of war firsthand. His job was to find victims in the rubble of the bombed out buildings today. He says he understands the concerns even the fear of those who regard the re emergence. Of a powerful united Germany as menacing. Resolutions to go on must also vestments and I'm. In view about history people are justified in those fears. We in Germany and contribute to redressing some of the wrongs which have been committed in the German name during this century. This century which has known so much suffering. So many tears. As a young politician in the 1950s Cole was already known as astute and aggressive. From the City Council to the state legislature to state president. To chancellor of west Germany important or. Helmut Kohl was always the youngest ever to hold the office. His critics call him clumsy and boorish lacking intellect and vision. He answers them by winning elections. And keeping his party strong and united. A whole string of the core of cool jokes and advocate and defend had driven him there are. About as flattering as for some of the ethnic jokes that you and the states. But you refer up till now Veoh is housed the last laugh. It sort of what they've gotten to about fingers are that this does he is a fierce debater Helmut Kohl. And a stern political tactician demanding absolute loyalty from those around him and getting it. Don't underestimate it is accused of that area. Creek Okur. That is to say he controls his own leave it could can Democrat. And now Helmut Kohl's sits Astride this historic change in Europe. The critics may be surprised but not as surprised as Helmut Kohl. Remember dean do you Zeljko. Personally I've always been firmly convinced that Germany would come together a game. But I had expected to experience it only as an old man. It is a blessing from history it. And so we choose Helmut Kohl someone could not resist calling him a blunder Cole this week a man with a fundamental faith in democracy. Which can only be good for Germany and all of its neighbors to the east and to the west.

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