Dear Readers,
An international, highly acclaimed women’s conference on the Middle East peace process with prominent participants from the Middle East, Europe and the USA was recently held in Vienna focusing on the contribution of women to the peace efforts in the region.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the European Union, offering cause for celebration as well as for discussion on the EU’s future as presented in a guest article.
It was 60 years ago that U.S. Secretary of State George C. Marshall presented his proposal for European reconstruction following the devastation of war-torn Europe. Austria commemorates in gratitude the significant economic aid offered by the United States under the Marshall Plan.
Minnesota’s longstanding tradition of friendship and cooperation with Austria is strongly reflected in the Center for Austrian Studies, established thirty years ago at the University of Minnesota. AI brings a retrospective of the valuable academic cooperation with Austria and Austrian universities.
Economic and trade relations between Austria and the U.S. exhibit substantial growth. In an interview, the head of the Austrian Trade Commission in New York explains the reasons for this favorable development of U.S.-Austrian trade relations and his office’s mission of serving Austrian companies’ interests in the U.S.
Sincerely yours,
Wolfgang Renezeder
Editor-in-Chief
Administrator
Women Leaders Networking for Peace and Security In the Middle East
Cooperation for Peace and Security in the Middle East is the Focus of a High-Level Women’s Conference in Vienna
U.S. Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice and Austrian Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik. Hopi Media
Vienna was again the center of international diplomacy after having organized a well conceived, high-level Middle East Peace Conference. By invitation of Austrian Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik, some eighty women in leading positions from the world of politics, economics, the media and non-governmental organizations came together on May 30-31 at Vienna’s Hofburg for a conference entitled Women Leaders - Networking for Peace and Security in the Middle East.
The objective was to provide a new momentum to the waning Middle East peace process by focusing on the peace efforts of women in the region. Workshops dealt with the special aspects of using female networking as a counter strategy in the areas of media and war, economic development, conflict resolution, politics and civil society and were followed by a roundtable discussion.
Fifty Years of the Treaty of Rome
The Austrian Experience
Signing of the treaties establishing the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM) in Rome, March 25, 1957. European Union
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the European Union and is cause for celebration. More specifically, we are commemorating the signing of the treaty that marked the founding of the European Economic Community (EEC), which was the beginning of the European peace project. When the Treaty of Rome was signed in 1957, only six founding states of the European Union initially participated. The success of Europe’s unification can only be attributed to all the members of the European Union. For this reason Austria, which has been part of the Union for more than twelve years, has every reason to celebrate the anniversary of this unique worldwide, politically pioneering project.
Open House Days in Vienna and Washington
The Austrian Foreign Ministry in Vienna opened its doors on March 25, 2007 and invited the public to join the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome.
Growing Austrian-U.S. Trade Relations
Christian Kesberg
Interview with Christian Kesberg, Austrian Trade Commissioner in New York
Austrian-U.S. trade has experienced considerable growth within the last years. Christrian Kesberg, Austria’s Trade Commissioner in New York since 2006, explains the reasons for this favorable development, why Austrian companies locate in the U.S., and in what way his office helps serve the interests of Austrian companies.
60 Years of the Marshall Plan
At a festive ceremony in Vienna’s Upper Belvedere, Austria and the United States commemorated the 60th anniversary of the Marshall Plan. On behalf of the Austrian government and the Austrian people Federal Minister of Economics and Labor Martin Bartenstein thanked the United States for the generous reconstruction aid offered by the Marshall Plan. The rebuilding of Europe through the Marshall Plan was a fundamental contribution toward security and stability of the continent and after all, it resulted in a close transatlantic relationship.
30th Anniversary of the Center for Austrian Studies at the University of Minnesota
Minnesota’s longstanding tradition of friendship and cooperation with Austria, which has extended over many decades, is strongly reflected in the Center for Austrian Studies(CAS), established thirty years ago at the University of Minnesota. The Center is not only committed to academia but is engaged in public outreach and active involvement with the community.
19th Annual Best Buddies Ball
The 19th Annual Best Buddies Ball: Celebrating New Friendships in the Alps: Austria, Germany and Switzerland will take place on Saturday, October 20, 2007. Each year close to 1,000 prominent local and international guests - including politicians, diplomats, journalists, sports figures and entertainment celebrities - gather at the home of Sargent and Eunice Kennedy Shriver in Potomac, Maryland.
Awards
Hans Matzenauer, Franz Alt, Edward O'Donnel, Vivian Curran, and Monika Tilley
Correction
Regarding the announcement in the last AI issue of an award presented to Dr. Michael Haltzel who received the Grand Decoration of Honor in Silver, we regret having reported incorrect data concerning his family history. Correct is that his Austrian ancestry goes back four generations to his great grandfather who emigrated to the United States in the 1860s during the Habsburg Monarchy.