Hans D. Genscher. The former German Secretary of State will always be remembered as the man who played a leading role in the German reunification process.

Hans Dietrich Genscher was a Liberal Party member in East Germany before he fled the communist East in 1952 at the age of 25, joining the Free Democratic Party (FDP) in West Germany. He was elected to the West German Bundestag in 1965 and became the party’s chairman in 1974. Genscher then led his party into a coalition government with the Social Democrats (SPD), becoming Vice Chancellor and Minister of Foreign Aaffairs the same year.

Political differences led to a split with the SPD in 1982 and brought down the government. Genscher then engineered a new governing coalition between Helmut Kohl’s Christian Democrats (CDU) and the FDP. He remained Vice Chancellor and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

In 1985 he resigned from the party chairmanship but retained his government posts, playing a leading role in negotiating German reunification in 1990. He is revered not only for his avuncular and unassuming manner but for his keen political acumen.

Reunited on stage. President Mikhail Gorbachev personally wanted to congratulate his long time friend and presented him with the award.

Mr. Genscher is considered the chief architect of a European settlement encompassing the East European nations and the remnants of the former Soviet Union. Through his adroit and personable style he established a good relationship with then Soviet Premier, Mikhail Gorbachev, which was instrumental in the easing of tensions and bringing about a peaceful solution to German reunification and the breakup of the Warsaw Pact and the Soviet Union.

 
German Secretary of State. During his tenure he was instrumental in
bringing about a peaceful solution to German Reunification.
 

 
Helped end the cold war. He will enter the history books for his efforts in bringing an end to the Cold War.
 
World Statesman. He has remained politically active and is still consulted by many current politicians regarding world affairs.
 
German Foreign Minister for 18 years. Mr. Genscher’s place in German history is assured through his efforts in bringing about an end to the Cold War.  At the White House with U.S. President George Bush sen.
 
An honor presented in recognition of exemplary individual achievements in various fields. It is awarded for accomplishments in a variety of areas which have helped to make the world a safer and more peaceful place for us all.

For his efforts in bringing an end to the Cold War Hans Dietrich Genscher was presented with the WORLD ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 2001.


 
World Connection