Günter Schabowski, a member of the SED Politburo, read aloud a new travel regulation towards the end of a press conference on 9 November 1989. His announcement caused some confusion, as he referred only to “permanent departure”, in other words “leaving the republic”. But the text also contained a section on visits to the West, which were now to be possible for all East Germans. Schabowski also announced that the regulation was valid “with immediate effect” and “without delay”. источник: Bundesarchiv/183-1989-1109-030/Thomas Lehmann
