Vienna, 19 March 2008 - The Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria and the Mexican Foreign Ministry are commemorating the official protest of the Government of Mexico against the "Anschluss" of Austria by Nazi Germany 70 years ago.

Since the resumption of their diplomatic relations in 1901, Mexico and Austria have developed an extremely close bilateral relation characterized by intensive political, cultural, social, and economic cooperation.

The two states share the same values and convictions on issues concerning the rule of law, democracy, and human rights. Their agreement on the values of justice, peace, cooperation in partnership, and the harmonious coexistence of nations underlines the importance of their common history and defines today’s close relationships between the two states.

On 19 March, we remember the Mexican note of protest issued exactly 70 years ago, with which Mexico, precisely one week after the invasion by the troops of Nazi Germany, protested before the League of Nations in Geneva against the illegal occupation of Austria by the Wehrmacht under international law and the subsequent political "Anschluss".

This official note of protest submitted by the Mexican delegate Ambassador Isidro Fabela by direction of President Lazaro Cárdenas described the Nazi invasion as a severe attack on the multilateral system of peaceful coexistence and the principles enshrined in international law.

In 1938, no other country had the courage to protest - in a similarly public and clear manner - before the multilateral forum of the League of Nations against the "Anschluss" of Austria by Nazi Germany.

These days, a series of joint events will take place both in Mexico and in Austria to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Mexican protest.

In the spirit of the principles expressed in the Mexican protest, the two governments are using this opportunity to underline their commitment to international law. For Austria and Mexico, the observance and strengthening of international law principles, the efforts to achieve conflict settlement solely by peaceful means and the strengthening of multilateral mechanisms and international cooperation are decisive tools for maintaining peace, security, and solidarity.

Contact:

Federal Ministry for

European and International Affairs

Press Department

Tel.: ++43 (0) 50 1150-3262, 4549, 4550

Fax: ++43 (0) 50 1159-213

abti3(at)bmeia.gv.at