Germany marks 15th anniversary of the fall of Berlin Wall

Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder paid tribute to the peaceful revolution against the communist regime that culminated in the destruction of the despised Wall that cleaved Berlin in two for 28 years.

"November 9 is a day marking the triumph of freedom and democracy," Schroeder said in a statement released late Monday.

"The people of East Germany broke down the Wall 15 years ago and conquered a cynical dictatorship."

Schroeder noted, however, that there were still painful economic and social divisions between East and West undermining German unity.

"To reach this goal, we will need to pursue a truly national effort," he said.