Baltic human chain of 1989 added to Unesco's Memory of the World Register

On August 23, 1989 a million people formed a chain stretching from Estonia across Latvia to Lithuania and joined hands in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact that marked the end of the independence of the three states in 1939. The daily Latvijas Avize notes with satisfaction that the "Baltic Way" as the human chain is called has now been added to Unesco's Memory of the World Register: "In doing this Unesco recognises the event as an outstanding example of non-violent resistance which embodies the ideals of freedom and unity. But back then, twenty years ago, Western leaderships were concerned that the demonstration could damage Mikhail Gorbachev and his Perestroika. The Berlin Wall was still standing and there was much prejudice. For us, however, honouring the human chain is now our duty to share the legacy of those days with others. This is particularly important this year when so many other jubilees and anniversaries are being celebrated in Europe."

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