FOREIGN
RELATIONS
The 1955
Austrian State Treaty ended the four-power occupation and recognized
Austria as an independent and sovereign state. In October 1955,
the Federal Assembly passed a constitutional law in which "Austria
declares of her own free will her perpetual neutrality."
The second section of this law stated that "in all future
times Austria will not join any military alliances and will not
permit the establishment of any foreign military bases on her
territory." The date on which this provision passed—October
26—became Austria’s National Day. From then, Austria
shaped its foreign policy on the basis of neutrality.
In recent
years, however, Austria began to reassess its definition of neutrality,
granting overflight rights for the UN-sanctioned action against
Iraq in 1991, and, since 1995, contemplating participation in
the EU's evolving security structure. Also in 1995, it joined
the Partnership for Peace with NATO, and subsequently participated
in peacekeeping missions in Bosnia.
Austrian leaders emphasize the unique role the country plays both as an East-West hub and as a moderator between industrialized and developing countries. Austria is active in the United Nations and experienced in UN peacekeeping efforts. It attaches great importance to participation in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and other international economic organizations, and it has played an active role in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Austria has participated in the UN-mandated International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan since 2002. In August 2005, Austria deployed 93 soldiers to the northern Afghan city of Kunduz to help support the parliamentary and provincial elections. Austria has also participated in international reconstruction assistance efforts and has provided about 8.5 million euros since 2002 to combat drugs, to strengthen women’s rights and for mine removal.
Vienna
hosts the Secretariat of the OSCE and the headquarters of the
International Atomic Energy Agency, the UN Industrial Development
Organization, and the UN Drug Control Program. Other international
organizations in Vienna include the Organization of Petroleum
Exporting Countries, the International Institute for Applied Systems
Analysis, the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization, and
the Wassenaar Arrangement (a technology-transfer control agency).
Austria
traditionally has been active in "bridge-building to the
east," increasing contacts at all levels with eastern Europe
and the states of the former Soviet Union. Austrians maintain
a constant exchange of business representatives, political leaders,
students, cultural groups, and tourists with the countries of
central and eastern Europe. Austrian companies are active in investing
and trading with those countries as well. In addition, the Austrian
Government and various Austrian organizations provide assistance
and training to support the changes underway in the region.
U.S.-AUSTRIAN
RELATIONS
Austria's political leaders and people recognize and appreciate
the essential role the U.S. played in the country’s reconstruction
and in the Austrian State Treaty. It is in the interest of the
U.S. to maintain and strengthen these strong relations and to
maintain Austria's political and economic stability.
Principal U.S. Officials
Charge d'Affaires, a.i.--Scott Kilner
Counselor for Economic and Political Affairs--Dean Yap
Counselor for Public Affairs, Acting--Robert Hugins
Counselor for Commercial Affairs--Christopher Quinlivan
Counselor for Management Affairs--Jeffry Olesen
Counselor for Agricultural Affairs--Quintin Gray
Consul General--Constance Anderson
Defense Attache--COL Stefan Aubrey
Office of Defense Cooperation--LTC Scott Dullea
The U.S. Embassy in Austria is located at Boltzmanngasse 16, Vienna 1091, tel. (43) (1) 313-39 (after office hours: (43) (1) 319-5523). The U.S. Consular Agency in Salzburg is located at Alte Markt 1, 5020 Salzburg, tel. (43) (662) 848-776.
