!!!Neutralität

Neutrality: Austria´s permanent neutrality is closely connected 
with the negotiations on the  State Treaty, which was signed on May 
15, 1955 after a preliminary agreement called the Moscow Memorandum 
had been signed by an Austrian government delegation on April 15, 
1955. This memorandum obliged Austria "to adhere to permanent 
neutrality in the manner practised by Switzerland". A Neutrality 
Act was voted by the Nationalrat on October 26, 1955, in which Austria 
committed herself not to join any military alliance, to defend herself 
"with all means available" and not to permit foreign military bases on 
her territory. However, in contrast to Switzerland, Austria decided to 
follow an active and dynamic policy of neutrality for historical and 
geographical reasons and reasons of national security. This is why 
Austria joined the  United Nations as early as December 1955. Austrian 
neutrality concentrates especially on national security policy. The 
2%%sup nd/%  Gulf War 1990/91 brought about far-reaching changes (NATO 
planes were allowed to fly over Austrian territory) for the first 
time; Austria´s entry into the  European Union and resolutions 
on the creation of a European security system also triggered a new 
discussion on the role and possible modifications of Austrian 
neutrality.

!Literature
H. Neuhold, W. Hummer and C. Schreuer, Handbuch des 
Voelkerrechts, 1991; G. Stourzh, Um Einheit und Freiheit: 
Staatsvertrag, Neutralitaet und das Ende der O-W-Besetzung 
Oesterreichs 1945-1955, SUP>4</SUP>1998.


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