Thursday, October 25, 2012

AUSTRIA'S NATIONAL DAY

Map Credit:  CIA World Factbook.
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

On the Occasion of Austria's National Day

Press Statement
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
October 25, 2012

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to the people of Austria as you celebrate your 57th National Day this October 26th.

Today we have the chance to reflect on the contributions Austria has made towards the advancement of peace and prosperity in the world. From your strong support of international organizations, to your historic achievements in the arts, science, business, and technology, Austrians are a shining example of the power of a free and prosperous people. Our work together in the Balkans has provided millions of people with the prospect of a more tolerant and peaceful future.

Map Credit:  CIA World Factbook.
The United States is fortunate to have a strong and enduring partner in Austria, and I look forward to an even stronger relationship in the years to come.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FROM CIA WORLD FACTBOOK

Once the center of power for the large Austro-Hungarian Empire, Austria was reduced to a small republic after its defeat in World War I. Following annexation by Nazi Germany in 1938 and subsequent occupation by the victorious Allies in 1945, Austria's status remained unclear for a decade. A State Treaty signed in 1955 ended the occupation, recognized Austria's independence, and forbade unification with Germany. A constitutional law that same year declared the country's "perpetual neutrality" as a condition for Soviet military withdrawal. The Soviet Union's collapse in 1991 and Austria's entry into the European Union in 1995 have altered the meaning of this neutrality. A prosperous, democratic country, Austria entered the EU Economic and Monetary Union in 1999.

 Approaching Schoenbrunn, the most popular tourist destination in Vienna. The 1,400-room Rococo palace served as the imperial summer residence beginning in the mid-18th century. In 1996, UNESCO added the palace and its gardens to its World Heritage List.  From:  CIA World Factbook.

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