Guest speech of the Ambassador of Slovenia; H.E. Dr. Ernest Petric

On the occasion of the forthcoming EU presidency, the IMC Export Department, under the auspices of the Chair for International, Legal and Global Political Studies, was inviting the residential Ambassador of Republic of Slovenia to Austria H.E. Univ. Prof. Dr. Ernest PETRIC for a visit and guest lecture on 11th December 2007. The Ambassador gave an excellent presentation on Slovenia and its forthcoming tasks. His remarks were followed by nearly two hours of discussions with students and professors, and by a small cocktail reception.

Ambassador Petric remarks offered the IMC Export Fellows an opportunity to learn about the new Treaty (so called the Reform Treaty, to be signed in Rome on 13th December), planned meetings: 2 of Council, 30 ministerials, 50 COREPER meetings, around 3.000 WG meetings as well as 5 larger meetings, such as with LaAm, USA, Russia, Canada and with Japan; Future of Europe (Enlargement, Turkey and Western Balkans); Lisbon Strategy; Climate Change and Energy; Freedom, Security and Justice, External Role of the EU; 2008 as the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue ; EU Budget Reform; and the CAP Health Check. Ambassador has answered several question being particularly extensive on position of the Slovenian government towards the situation with the Slovenian minority in Italy and Austria, as well as on the current negotiations about the future status of Kosovo (and Serbia). Finally, Ambassador referred to the bilateral Austro-Slovenian relations, complimenting them as excellent (volume of trade has reached nearly 4 billion Euros).

An extraordinarily eloquent senior researcher and career diplomat, Ambassador PETRIC has over 40 years of teaching experience (Intl. Law and Intl. Relations). His academic career took him to Colombia, Iraq and Ethiopia (970s & ‘980s). Closing his academic assignments with the post of Director of the Research Institute in Ljubljana, he served as the last Yugoslav Ambassador to India and Nepal, first Slovenian ambassador to the USA and Mexico, than to Brazil, chief of Mission to the UN New York and to the OSCE Vienna, was the State Secretary of the Foreign Ministry and also served as the Deputy Foreign Minister before coming to Vienna in September 2002. H.E. holds the PhD degree in International law from the Law Faculty of Ljubljana.

Summing up after this content-intensive and extremely valuable event with Mr. Ernst Fietz, the EXP Program Director, and Mr. Anis H. Bajrektarevic, EXP Chair and principal host of the event, Ambassador Ernest Petric stated that he has been very impressed by our faculty’s continued interest in EU affairs. The Ambassador also complimented the commitment and knowledge of our students as demonstrated in the questions and discussion with him as well as with the overall achievements of our young institution. He promised to return to our university for the Presidency de-briefing.

Text: Mr. Bajrektarevic

The presentation of Dr. Ernest Petric can be found here.

Guest speech of the Ambassador of Egypt; H.E. Mr. Ehab Fawzy

At the occasion of recent state visit to Egypt by the Austrian delegation headed by President Fischer, the IMC Export Department (under the auspices of Chair for Intl. Law and Global Political Studies) invited Mr. Ehab FAWZY, the Egyptian Ambassador to Austria and IOs in Vienna for a guest lecture. The Ambassador gave rather brief but comprehensive view on the currents in the Egypt’s Foreign and Security Policy, role and position in Middle Eastern peace process as well as on trends in Austro-Egyptian economic relations and its future potentials. His statement was followed by long discussions with students and professors, and by a small cocktail reception.

Ambassador FAWZY’s remarks offered the IMC Export Fellows a unique opportunity to gain insights into the cross Mediterranean, pan African and Arab political dynamics, including the Egypt’s positions in the Euro-Mediterranean partnership (so-called Barcelona process/European Neighborhood Policy), positions in the Vienna based FORAs such as the OSCE (Mediterranean partners to the OSCE) and UN/IAEA (MDG, disarmament, NPT, etc.). Answering the students’ questions, H.E. FAWZY shared the Egyptian policy views on issues like: Middle East – security and environmental threats, the EU Mediterranean initiatives (including the recent one of the French President Sarkozy), democratization vs. islamization debate in Arab world, recent constitutional changes in Egypt, Arab League, Sudan, Ethiopia-Somalia, Iraq, Iran, Israel-Palestine as well as the economic and trade potentials (including the current gas projects of OMV in Egypt; Egypt-Turkey-Nabucco pipeline).

An extraordinarily eloquent diplomat, Ambassador FAWZY built up a reputable career working in the cabinet of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, and was serving the Egypt’s Foreign Ministry in Washington, Tunis, the Egyptian mission to the UN New York. His work at the UN included capacities of the Repporteur of the Special Political Committee of the GA and of UN Special Committee on Peace-Keeping. Before coming to Vienna in autumn of 2007, Mr. FAWZY served for two years as Deputy Assistant Foreign Minister for International Political relations. Ambassador Ehab FAWZY holds the high graduate and post-graduate degrees from Cairo and Oxford universities.

Summing up after the half-day visit to Krems, content-intensive speech to and talks with fellow students and professors with Mr. Ernst Fietz, the EXPORT Program Director, Mr. Tarek Eltayeb, Arabic language professor and Mr. Anis H. Bajrektarevic, Export Chair and principal host of the event, Ambassador FAWZY stated that he has been very impressed by our faculty’s interest in the Euro-Mediterranean affairs. The Ambassador also complimented the commitment and knowledge of our students as demonstrated in the questions and discussion with him. Finally, the Ambassador expressed his willingness to welcome the Export fellows in his Embassy as well as to return to our university soon again.

Text: Mr. Bajrektarevic

Student visit to the UN office and UNIDO in Vienna

For the fourth consecutive year the IMC Export students have paid a visit to the UN Office Vienna (30th October), under the auspices of the Chair for International, Legal and Global Political Studies. The first part of visit was composed of introductory lecture on the UN in general and followed by the documentary movie and two standing UN exhibitions. The second, more substantive part of visit was on mandate role and activities of UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). The UNIDO hosts, Mr. Kerry Timmis, Ms. Manuela Bösenhofer (the EXP graduate of 2004) and Ms. Alexandra Wogritsch (EXP 7th sem student), warmly welcomed the students and their Chair Mr. Anis H. Bajrektarevic and gave an excellent overview of UNIDO’s global activities.

Senior UNIDO official Mr. Timmis presented the 8 Millenium Development Goals, UNIDO’s Business Plan, its budget and the Organization’s focus on micro, small and medium sized agro-industries in the least developed countries. Ms. Bösenhofer, herself an IMC alumna and now committing herself full time for Corporate Social Responsibility at the UNIDO, emphasized the difference in CSR and Philanthropy and the importance of CSR in today’s small and medium-sized enterprises. Ms. Wogritsch, an IMC student doing her second internship at the UNIDO, excellently presented UNIDO’s current project with Microsoft and was the students’ distinguished source for information on internships at the UN. Throughout the presentations, Export students questioned and reflected on issues like UNIDO’s historical development, fundraising modalities, CSR and the importance of the UNIDO in today’s world.

Mr. Timmis stated he was very impressed by the student’s interest and knowledge as demonstrated throughout vivid discussions and complimented the students commitment as well as the long-lasting cooperation between the UNIDO and the IMC Export Department. Mr. Timmis looks forward to future cooperation with the IMC and more highly committed Export trainees.

Text: Mr. Bajrektarevic

Guest Speech of the Ambassador of the USA; H.E. Gregory Schulte

As a continuation of excellent cooperation with the Amerika Haus (distinguished authors; prof. Burke, prof. Balmer, prof. Rakove) and the US Embassy Vienna (the US Secretary Chao and Ambassador Ms. Susan Mc Caw visit), the IMC Export Department, under the auspices of the Chair for International, Legal and Global Political Studies, was inviting the Chief of the US Mission to the UN Vienna and IAEA, Ambassador Gregory Schulte for a visit and guest lecture on 22nd October 2007. The Ambassador gave an excellent overview on the currents in the US Security Policy, role and current activities of the Atomic Energy Agency, as well as the US positions in major Vienna-based UN entities (such as IAEA, ODC, UNITRAL, OOSA, CTBTO, etc.). His presentation was followed by long discussions with students and professors, and by a small cocktail reception.

Ambassador Schulte remarks offered the IMC Export Fellows a unique opportunity to gain insights into the trans-Atlantic security ties and its recent political dynamics. Answering the students’ questions, H.E. Schulte shared the US policy views on issues like: Middle East, Central-Eastern Europe (Poland and Check Republic), security cooperation with Russia, nuclear issue of Iran and North Korea consequently role and outcome of Three- (Iran) and Six-party (Korea) talks, and other security related issues, as well as reflecting upon his work the US National Security Council.

An extraordinarily open and vivid personality and top diplomat, Ambassador Schulte built up a reputable career working in the cabinet of the US Secretary of Defence, the Director for Nuclear Planning (assisting in the restructuring of NATO’s nuclear weapons posture after the Cold war) – the NATO HQ, and several other posts related to Strategic Forces Policy and to a deployment of NATO troops in SEE.

Before coming to Vienna in summer 2005, Mr. Schulte served as Executive Secretary of the National Security Council (responsible to the State Secretary Dr. Condoleezza Rice for overseeing the NSC Staff and the national security decision-making process), and the White House Situation Room. Besides his Mission capacity, Amb. Schulte is a acting as a governor with the IAEA’s Board of Governors. H.E. holds the high graduate and post-graduate degrees in Political Sciences from the prestigious Berkley (1980) and the Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School (1983).

Summing up after the half-day visit to Krems (in which Ambassador’s wife Nancy accompanied him), content-intensive speech to and talks with fellow students and professors with Ms. Eva Werner, IMC Vice-Rector, Mr. Ernst Fietz , the EXP Program Director, and Mr. Anis H. Bajrektarevic, EXP Chair and principal host of the event, Ambassador Schulte stated that he has been very impressed by our faculty’s continued interest in the US/trans-Atlantic affairs. The Ambassador also complimented the commitment and knowledge of our students as demonstrated in the questions and discussion with him as well as with our lasting cooperation with the US Mission and Embassy. Ambassador expressed his willingness to host Export fellows in his Mission as well as to return to our university soon again.

Text: Mr. Bajrektarevic

Student visit to the Headquarters of OSCE in Vienna

On October 11, the Export and exchange/Sokrates students of 5th semester paid a visit to the HQ of OSCE (Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe) in Vienna(under the auspices of Chair for Intl. Law and Global Political Studies). The excellently prepared (by Ms. Susanna Lööf and Mr. Mikhail Evstfiev) day-long visit was composed of introductory lecture on the OSCE 3-pillar structure, FOs activities and programs (particularly within the Economic and Environmental dimension) given by eloquent Senior officials Mr. Miklos Haraszti (Freedom of Media), Ms. Maria Brandstetter (Politico-Military Dimension), Mr. Kilian Strauss (EEA) and Ms. Veronika Scherk-Arsenio (OSCE FM).

During the 90-minutes tour-de-table session, the IMC fellow students had a possibility to learn about the practical implication of the OSCE work, programs, possible research partnerships and internships with the FORA as well as to hear thoughtful and inspiring answers on series of their questions.

Summing up at the end of this content-intensive and extremely valuable event, the OSCE officials stated that they were impressed by interest, commitment and knowledge of our students as demonstrated throughout the questions and discussion with officials, and expressed the appreciation that such visits of our students are regularized (since 2005).

Text: Mr. Bajrektarevic

Guest Lecture of H.E. Dr. Hannes Swoboda

As a part of EU series regularly organized by the IMC Export, the Chair for International Legal and Global Political Studies, was inviting the Austrian member of the European Parliament, Dr. Hannes Swoboda for a visit and guest lecture on 14th June. The MEP Swoboda gave an excellent overview on the work of this EU body. His remarks were followed by nearly two hours of discussions with students and professors, and by a reception.

Dr. Swoboda’s remarks offered the IMC Export fellows a rare opportunity to gain insights into mandate and role as well as the modus operandi of the Parliament; decision-making procedures and works of both the EP plenary and numerous committees; legislative initiative, co-deciding competencies and relations with other EU bodies, primarily with the Commission and the Council; on recent and current legal texts as well as the brief note on the issue of constitution and enlargement.

An extraordinarily eloquent senior parliamentarian, Dr. Swoboda serves the European Parliament for more than 10 years. His major assignments have included the Foreign Affairs Committee, Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, Subcommittee on Security and Defence, and activities in various ad-hoc or standing delegations for South-east Europe and Middle East. Dr. Swoboda has also held other major positions within the Parliament such as the Vice-Chairman of the Socialist Group. Dr. Hannes Swoboda holds the LLD and MA degrees in Human Sciences (legal and economics studies) from the University of Vienna.

Summing up after this content-intensive and extremely valuable event with Mr. Ernst Fietz, the EXP Program Director, and Mr. Anis H. Bajrektarevic, EXP Chair and principal host of the event, Dr. Swoboda (accompanied with his assistant Ms. Sonja Kothe) stated that he has been very impressed by our faculty’s continued interest in EU affairs. Dr Swoboda also complimented the commitment and knowledge of our students as demonstrated in the questions and discussion with him as well as with the overall achievements of our young institution. He promised to return to our university in a due time again.

Text: Mr. Bajrektarevic

Guest Speech of the Ambassador of the USA; H.E. Ms. Susan McCaw

As a continuation of excellent cooperation with the Amerika Haus (distinguished authors; prof. Burke, prof. Balmer, prof. Rakove) and the US Embassy Vienna (the US Secretary Chao visit and the Ambassador’s lunch with the IMC students), the IMC Export Department, under the auspices of the Chair for International, Legal and Global Political Studies, was inviting the US Ambassador to Austria H.E. Ms. Susan McCaw for a visit and guest lecture on 09th May 2007. The Ambassador gave an excellent overview on the currents in the US Foreign Policy. Her remarks were followed by long discussions with students and professors, and by a small reception.

Ambassador McCaw remarks offered the IMC Export Fellows a unique opportunity to gain insights into the trans-Atlantic ties and its recent economic and political dynamics, legacy of the Marshall fund (inc exchange programs), the US standpoints on Middle East (two state solution for the Palestine-Israeli conflict), Balkans (including the Kosovo issue), Iraq, Iran, North Korea, Afghanistan, Africa (incl. Darfur), energy dependency and climate protection/global warming. Answering the students’ questions, H.E. McCaw shared the US policy perspectives on issues like: recent US–EU summit in the States, forthcoming G-8 summit in Germany, Latin America, Russia, China and Africa as well as R&D, innovative technologies, mobility and education (knowledge-based economy).

An extraordinarily pleasant personality and esteemed diplomat, Ambassador McCaw built up a reputable career in private business sector, mostly investments and banking sector. Ms. McCaw was also a member of Stanford University’s Board of Trustees, and served as Co-Chair of Stanford’s 1 billion campaign for the US Undergraduate education, being personally very active in international student outreach. Before presenting her diplomatic credentials and taking up the Ambassadorial duty in Austria in January 2006, Ms. McCaw served as the Finance Co-Chair for Presidential campaign in Washington State. H.E. holds the high graduate and post-graduate degrees in Economics from the prestigious Stanford and Harvard universities.

Summing up after this content-intensive and extremely valuable event with Mr. Heinz Boyer, IMC CIO, Mr. Ernst Fietz, the EXP Program Director, and Mr. Anis H. Bajrektarevic, EXP Chair and principal host of the event, Ambassador McCaw stated that she has been very impressed by our faculty’s continued interest in the US/trans-Atlantic affairs. The Ambassador also complimented the commitment and knowledge of our students as demonstrated in the questions and discussion with her as well as with our lasting cooperation with her and embassy. She made a firm promise to return to our university soon again.

Text: Mr. Bajrektarevic

Guest speech of the Ambassador of Germany; H.E. Dr. Gerd Westdickenberg

On the occasion of the current EU and the G-8 presidency held by Germany, the IMC Export Department, under the auspices of the Chair for International, Legal and Global Political Studies, was inviting the residential Ambassador of Germany to Austria H.E. Dr. Gerd Westdickenberg for a visit and guest lecture on 24th April 2007. The Ambassador gave an excellent overview on the first four months of presidency. His remarks were followed by nearly two hours of discussions with students and professors, and by a reception.

Ambassador Westdickenberg’s remarks offered the IMC Export Fellows a rare opportunity to gain insights into newly launched EU Energy Action Plan (including energy efficiency, climate related issues), Declaration of Berlin (Berlin summit at the occasion of 50th anniversary of the Union), reaffirmation of the Lisbon strategy goals, decision on the forthcoming EU – Africa summit (to be cared during the Portuguese EU, and German G-8 presidency), transborder cooperation (EUROPOL, Schengen – SIS II), the new Common Foundation of the EU (energy and foreign policy goals formulation) as well as the brief note on the forthcoming EU summits: EU–US, EU–Russia and EU–Japan, and the G-8 focus on energy, climate protection and on Africa.

An extraordinarily eloquent senior career diplomat, Ambassador WESTDICKENBERG joined the Foreign Ministry some 30 years ago. His major diplomatic assignments have included the Easter Europe (Bulgaria), Africa (Ghana), America (the US), Europe (Brussels HQ of NATO). H.E. Westdickenberg has also held other major diplomatic positions within the Ministry including Federal Chancellery and the cabinet of Foreign Minister K. Kinkel (1993 – 98). Before coming to Austria in September 2006, Ambassador Dr. Westdickenberg served as the German Ambassador to the Holy See – Vatican (2002 – 2006). H.E. holds the PhD degree in Human Sciences (legal studies).

Summing up after this content-intensive and extremely valuable event with Mr. Ernst Fietz, the EXP Program Director, and Mr. Anis H. Bajrektarevic, EXP Chair and principal host of the event, Ambassador Westdickenberg stated that he has been very impressed by our faculty’s continued interest in EU affairs. The Ambassador also complimented the commitment and knowledge of our students as demonstrated in the questions and discussion with him as well as with the overall achievements of our young institution. He promised to return to our university for the Presidency de-briefing soon again.

Text: Mr. Bajrektarevic

The presentation of H.E. Dr. Gerd Westdickenberg can be found here.
A document concerning expectations of Germany's EU presidency can be found here.

Guest speech of the Ambassador of Spain to the OSCE; H.E. Mr. Carlos Sanchez de Boado

On the occasion of the rotating one-year CiO (OSCE Chairman-in-Office) 2007 Chairmanship of Spain, the IMC Export Department, under the auspices of the Chair for International, Legal and Global Political Studies, was inviting the Permanent Representative of Spain to the OSCE, H.E. Amb. Carlos Sanchez de BOADO y de la Valgoma for a visit and guest lecture on 26th February 2007. Bilingually addressing the audience in Spanish and in English, Excellency de Boado spoke on the topic “Priorities of the Spanish Chairmanship”. His remarks were followed by nearly two hours of discussions with students and professors, and by a cocktail reception.

Ambassador de Boado’s remarks offered the IMC Export Fellows a rare opportunity to gain insights into security, migration, environmental/sustainable development policies and activities of both Spain as well as the OSCE regional forum. Following his formal remarks the Ambassador provided thoughtful and inspiring responses to questions (equally asked in Spanish and in English) on the Climate Change, forthcoming Youth Forum, Terrorism, relations with Russia and countries of CIS and other topics.

An extraordinarily eloquent senior career diplomat, Ambassador de BOADO joined the Foreign Ministry some 30 years ago. His major diplomatic assignments (nearly on all continents) have included the Equatorial Guinea, Kenya, Moscow, Prague, Namibia, the US and Uruguay. H.E. de Boado has also held other major diplomatic positions within the Ministry including Director for Inter-American Affairs, Security Affairs and Deputy Director for the Protection of Spanish citizens abroad. His first Ambassadorial post was in 1990 (Windhoek, Namibia), and since January 2004 Excellency de Boado serves in Vienna as the Permanent representative of Spain to the OSCE. H.E. holds the high degree in Legal Studies as well as in the post-graduate Diplomatic studies from the prestigious Madrid universities.

Summing up after this content-intensive and for the first-time biligually organized IMC EXPORT event with Mr. Ernst Fietz, the EXP Program Director, Ms. Susanne Pyka, the EXP Spanish language Professor and Mr. Anis H. Bajrektarevic, EXP Chair and principal host of the event, Ambassador de BOADO stated that he has been very impressed by our faculty’s continued interest in work of regional organizations. The Ambassador also complimented the commitment, knowledge and advanced comprehension of Spanish language of our students as demonstrated in the questions and discussion with him as well as with the overall achievements of our young institution. He promised to return to our university for the CiO debriefing by the end of this year.

After last year January visit of the Belgium ambassador H.E. Philippe A. Nieuwenhuys, this was a second event in the CiO/presidency series.

Text: Mr. Bajrektarevic

Guest speech of the Ambassador of South Korea; H.E. Kim Sung-Hwan

On the occasion of the recent appointment of the new UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon (former South Korean Foreign Minister) who previously also served as the Ambassador to Austria, the IMC Export Department, under the auspices of the Chair for International, Legal and Global Political Studies, was inviting the current Ambassador of South Korea to Austria H.E. Kim Sung-Hwan for a visit and guest lecture on 17th January 2007. The Ambassador, who is also accredited to the Vienna-based Intl. Organizations and to the Republic of Slovenia, accompanied by two senior diplomats Counsellor Mr. Hee-Seog Kwon and First Secretary Mr. Sang-beom Lim, spoke on the topic “Korea - the current and future position in the region.” His remarks were followed by nearly two hours of discussions with students and professors, and by a reception.

Ambassador Kim’s remarks offered the IMC Export Fellows a rare opportunity to gain insights into Korea’s security, economic, environmental, education and energy policies as well as the technological and research development (including the special referential presentation on South Korea’s position in the 6-party talks on North Korea). Following his formal remarks the Ambassador provided thoughtful and inspiring responses to questions on East Asia relationships, trans-Pacific trade relations, the South Korean economic and educational “miracle”, and other topics.

An extraordinarily eloquent senior career diplomat, Ambassador KIM joined the Foreign Ministry some 30 years ago. His major diplomatic assignments have included the US (twice), India, Russian Federation and the Central Asian republic of Uzbekistan. H.E. Kim has also held other major diplomatic positions within the Ministry including Assistant Secretary in the Office of the President, Director – General of the NAA Bureau. Before coming to Austria in April 2006, Ambassador Kim Sung-Hwan served as Deputy Foreign Minister for Planning and Management. H.E. holds the high degree in Human Sciences from the prestigious Universities of Seoul (Korea), London (UK) as well as the honorary Doctorate from Uzbekistan.

Summing up after this content-intensive and extremely valuable event with Mr. Ernst Fietz, the EXP Program Director, and Mr. Anis H. Bajrektarevic, EXP Chair and principal host of the event, Ambassador Sung-Hwan stated that he has been very impressed by our faculty’s continued interest in East Asian and Korean affairs. The Ambassador also complimented the commitment and knowledge of our students as demonstrated in the questions and discussion with him as well as with the overall achievements of our young institution. He promised to return to our university soon again.

Text: Mr. Bajrektarevic

The presentation about the nuclear issue of North Korea can be found here.