1.
GV PAN Trucks parked in open space
0.08

2.
SV Road sign showing distance to nearest town PAN to road
0.11

3.
SV Checkpoint sign
0.14

4.
SV PAN Police controlling traffic
0.30

5.
GV & SV Cars waiting
0.35

6.
SV Police handing out food
0.42

7.
SV People waiting PAN cars
0.46

8.
STV Cars at checkpoint
0.50


Trucks parked; checkpoint sign; police controlling traffic; cars waiting on road; police handing out food; people waiting.




Initials RJ/PN/SGM/0134 RJ/PN/SGM/0143



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: East German officials brought traffic to and from West Berlin to a virtual standstill yesterday (Friday) in protest against a meeting of West German politicians being held in the city.

The East Germans are protesting against the political meeting and visits by West German President Heinemann and Chancellor Willy Brandt. Long queues of lorries and cars formed at all checkpoint to the 110 mile (175 km) East German autobahn linking the city with West Germany. Delays of more than 15 hours were reported. Police handed out food to stranded truck drivers and motorists who had no choice but to sit and wait until the checkpoint was opened.