Cross -party confessions on neutrality – Diepresse.com
Not only Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) described the neutrality in a ceremony in front of the Belvedere as an indispensable part of the Austrian self -image. Previously, all three representatives of the National Council Presidium had seen an order in the state treaty that had to be fulfilled with life.
With cross -party confessions to neutrality, the signing of the state contract was celebrated 70 years ago on Thursday. Not only Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) described the neutrality in a ceremony in front of the Belvedere as an indispensable part of the Austrian self -image. Previously, all three representatives of the National Council Presidium had seen an order in the state treaty that had to be fulfilled with life.
The sentence « Austria is free », which was spoken 70 years ago by the then Foreign Minister Leopold Figl in Belvedere Castle in Vienna, was « more than a historical sentence », emphasized Stocker at the state government’s ceremony at the historical location of the state contract. « You are a legacy. » On this day – May 15, 1955 – Austria regained its long -awaited freedom, independence and state sovereignty. « On this day, Austria again became a sovereign republic, » said the Chancellor.
The approach and overcoming trenches have made Austria on what it is today, according to Stocker: « A lively, stable and resistant republic. And one of the most beautiful, wealthiest and safest countries in the world. » An “indispensable part of our self -image” is the neutrality that was never a “neutrality”. Freedom has to be rejected again and again, the Chancellor recalled. Especially in times when authoritarian systems and dictatorships strengthen.
Government members emphasize « order »
In front of Stocker, other members of the government had also recognized the historical anniversary. Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler (SPÖ) also saw not only a historical document in the state contract, but also an order to protect and expand democracy. Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) also emphasized the order to continue to be “vigilant”. Defense of the values is not just the matter of the Federal Army, Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP) emphasized – « This is our mandate ».
As a speaker back on this day, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, who was present at the celebration in parliament. « Only joint action and mutual respect keep democracy and freedom alive », he wrote on social networks. The chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Salzburg’s Archbishop Franz Lackner, also spoke up via « Kathpress ». He called on praying today « for peaceful and free Austria in a world that may recognize the senselessness of the war and oppression ».
Confessions in parliament
Confessions could also be heard in parliament in the morning. National Council President Rosenkranz described the state contract as « secular relic of recent Austrian history ». Even before it was signed, all parties had sought neutrality. « Today I bow to myself with great respect for performance and the diplomatic skill of the great statesmen of these years, » said Rosenkranz. Their legacy is a request to still meet the state contract with life today – for example through the implementation of Article 7, which also provides bilingual local boards for the ethnic groups.
The second President of the National Council, Peter Haubner (ÖVP), also “the head in respectful memory” to the people involved 70 years ago. « At the same time, we proudly raise it as a free citizen of a sovereign, democratic Austria, » he emphasized in his speech. The history of the state contract shows « how important the parliamentary path was for our freedom », summed up the second President of the National Council and he also emphasized: « This state contract is not just a legal document, it is a lively mission. » The neutrality must « prove itself again day by day », freedom, democracy and neutrality are not a matter of course.
« At times slightly estimated »
The State Treaty « should also be an order and obligation in the future, » said the third National Council President, Doris Bures (SPÖ). Austria has become a hub for visible peace policy. « It would be time to revive this tradition, » Bures agreed with the words of their previous speakers. Neutrality has given the country peace and security for 70 years, even if it was « at times approved » at times. « Austrian neutrality never contradicted international solidarity, » emphasized Bures.
Her experiences from the post -war period also shared the former Federal President Heinz Fischer (SPÖ) and the former National Council President Andreas Khol (ÖVP) at the ceremony in parliament. After that, the parties’ club chiefs discussed the importance of the state contract. FPÖ chairman Herbert Kickl’s absence defended Norbert Nemeth by being a « division of labor ». Afterwards, the freedom general secretary Christian Hafenecker criticized the fact that this was even a topic at a ceremony. (APA)
