WORLD : E. Germany Cordons Off Homes

EAST BERLIN —  East German authorities announced today that they had cordoned off the lavish compound where former Communist leader Erich Honecker and other disgraced officials live to protect state property.

The move appeared to be part of an effort to regain credibility for the Communist Party as it prepares to negotiate the nation’s future with pro-democracy activists next week.

On Wednesday, East German newspapers disclosed that former Premier Willi Stoph had taken valuables from his opulent estate after Communist Party officials began investigating allegations of wrongdoing by former party figures.