International Accolade for Austrian Diplomats
In a worldwide vote organised by the Arms Control Association, Austria’s disarmament delegation has been awarded the accolade of "2017 Arms Control Person(s) of the Year."
Austria’s disarmament delegation. Photo: BMEIA
Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl extended her congratulations to her colleagues: “I am glad that with this award the work of Austrian diplomats is being honoured at an international level. I wish to vigorously continue the Austrian initiatives on disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons as well as our efforts to bring about a nuclear weapon-free world. The Federal Government has also laid down this important issue in its government programme.”
The annual competition is organized by leading disarmament think-tank Arms Control Association in Washington, DC. The honor is in recognition of the successful negotiation of the landmark Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which takes on immense importance, especially in a year of heightening tensions between nuclear powers. The award also honored the disarmament delegations of Brazil, Costa Rica, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand and South Africa.