A look at noteworthy addresses in...

A look at noteworthy addresses in the Southland. Eberhard Diepgen, mayor of Berlin, spoke Nov. 13 on “Berlin as a Bridge Between East and West European Economies” at the Los Angeles Hilton. His address was sponsored by Town Hall. From his remarks:

On Berlin’s Role in the New Europe “Berlin’s role in the center of Europe has fundamentally changed in the last two years. The special attraction of Berlin in the new play of forces is that Berlin is a city of the East and a city of the West. . . . Berlin is the interface between East and West. . . . German unification and also the unification of the two halves of Berlin can be regarded in many respects as a model for European integration. . . . If we succeed it gives hope to the people and if we don’t succeed, it does just the opposite.

. . . Vast changes can be felt in this city: German capital and seat of government, interface between East and West, locomotive of economic upswing in the new federal states and potential host for the Olympic Games in the year 2000. New prospects are taking shape. That’s the city of Berlin.”

On the Recent Protests in Germany “The news emanating from Germany over the past few weeks and months stirred many uneasy memories, I know that. Much of what happened during those days gave rise to anger and bitterness. Acts of terror against asylum seekers and the attack on the Sachsenhausen memorial made the majority of Germans blush with shame. We condemn these acts of violence without any ifs, ands or buts. Our fundamental laws do stipulate that the dignity of man is inviolable. . . . . . . On the eighth of November, 350,000 people demonstrated peacefully, peacefully , against xenophobia. Regrettable as the appearance of 300 or 400 rioters may be, they are not representative of Germany, those rioters. The 8th of November has shown that the overwhelming majority of Germans think differently and are committed to democracy and tolerance. This was the message of the great demonstration of the eighth of November this year. And I reassure you that the German democracy is a very strong one.”

On the Relationship Between Berlin and Los Angeles Relations between Los Angeles and Berlin are particularly cordial and intensive. The two cities have been sister cities for 25 years now, friendships have been forged, scientists and artists find new stimulus here and there. Both cities breathe the spirit of freedom and liberty and these are the ties that bind us. . . .

The decisive future tasks of the cities lie in coping with (our) problems. In both places we must increase our efforts in terms of urban policy. We should join forces here, we cannot afford not to learn from the experience of other big cities.

Looking AheadTuesday, Nov. 24: Former President Jimmy Carter will discuss “The Atlanta Project--A Vision of Urban Renewal,” at the Century Plaza Hotel, 7:30 p.m. Sponsored by Town Hall, saluting him for his humanitarianism. Tickets, $300. Call (213) 628-8141.

Tuesday, Nov. 24: Aaron Kipnis, author of “Knights Without Armor: A Practical Guide for Men in Quest of Masculine Soul,” on “The New Gender Dance: Changing Roles of Men and Women,” at the BelAge Hotel, 6:30 a.m. Tickets, $25. Sponsored by the Inside Edge, call (310) 281-8933.

Announcements concerning prominent speakers in Los Angeles should be sent to Speaking Up, c/o Times researcher Nona Yates, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, Ca. 90053