Berlin Wall demolition on hold for now: Mayor steps in after thousands protest (Photos)

A protester clutches her dog next to a sign that reads: 'Isn't culture worth anything anymore?' (March 1, 2013)A protester argues with police at the East Side Gallery, which is the longest still-standing portion of the form (March 1, 2013) Protesters scuffle with police at the East Side Gallery, which is the longest still-standing portion of the form (March 1, 2013)5 photosView the full slideshow »
With chants of 'Fill the gap!' protesters attempt to bring forward a styorfoam replica of a piece of the Berlin (March 1, 2013)

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A German real estate developer planning to remove a section of the Berlin Wall's famed East Side Gallery in order to build a luxury apartment complex has put those plans on hold after Berlin Mayor Klaus Wowereit stepped in on Monday and said removal of the wall "does not appear necessary."

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View slideshow: Thousands protest demolition of a portion of the Berlin Wall (March 1, 2013)

Over the weekend, thousands protested the removal of the 25-meter section of wall, which was painted by artists after the fall of communism and is a popular tourist attraction. In a statement released on Monday, Mayor Wowereit said the city government will try to find an alternative to the wall's demolition, which was authorized at a lower administration level.

Plans are now on hold until at least March 18th, when a forum is scheduled for authorities and locals to discuss the project.

Protesters scuffle with police at the East Side Gallery, which is the longest still-standing portion of the former Berlin Wall, during efforts by a construction company to remove a 25-meter long section of the Wall on March 01, 2013 in Berlin, Germany.
Protesters scuffle with police at the East Side Gallery, which is the longest still-standing portion of the former Berlin Wall, during efforts by a construction company to remove a 25-meter long section of the Wall on March 01, 2013 in Berlin, Germany.
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Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images
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Kelley Vick is a freelance journalist who lives in New York City. Her work and passion for travel has taken her to more than 25 countries. She contributes to multiple travel publications and women's magazines. Kelley can be reached at kelley.vick@gmail.com.

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