E. Germany Lifts Ban on National Hymn

East Germany on Friday lifted a ban on the public singing of the original version of its national hymn, “Germany United Fatherland.”

The hymn was banned by the Communist government 20 years ago because it implied support for reunification of Germany--a theme long resisted by the East German government. Recent reforms in East Germany have spurred calls for reunification with the democratic West.

Government spokesman Wolfgang Meyer said the hymn will once again be sung on official radio and television broadcasts. He said officials made the decision because the song is part of East Germany’s cultural identity.

The lyrics of “Germany United Fatherland,” written by East Germany’s first culture minister, Johannes R. Becher, include the following:

“Resurrected and facing the future out of ruins, let us serve you well, Germany united fatherland. Old wants compel us, and united we compel it, because we must succeed, so that the sun shines more beautiful than ever before over Germany.”