Austria blocks U.S. troop transport

[Mark IV Series 80]

Need another reason to boycott Glock?

WASHINGTON, Feb. 13 — Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld on Thursday accused Austria of blocking the movement of U.S. troops from Germany by rail through that neutral country to Italy, apparently part of a buildup of American forces preparing for possible war against Iraq.

HE COMPLAINED that it would take additional days to get the troops where they were going and told the Senate Armed Services Committee it was an example of problems in stationing more than 100,000 U.S. troops in Europe, including 70,000 in Germany.
“Right now, for example, we’re trying to move some forces from Germany down to Italy, and Austria is causing a difficulty with respect to moving the forces through Austria by rail,†Rumsfeld said.
“Which means we may have to go up to Rotterdam (in the Netherlands) or possibly by train through two, or three, or four countries. It’s better (to move) directly,†he said.
A spokesman at the Austrian Embassy in Washington confirmed that the movement of U.S. troops was being temporarily blocked by his country. Austria is a neutral state and restricts the movement of foreign military equipment across its territory.
Rumsfeld, questioned by reporters after the committee meeting, refused to say whether the troops in question were part of contingents of armored and other U.S. forces being sent from Germany toward the Gulf.

http://www.msnbc.com/news/872605.asp?0cv=NB10#BODY

 

[Blackhawk]

"You are either with us or you are against us." We should act accordingly.

 

[Hkmp5sd]

Just slap diplomatic license plates on the tanks, give the soldiers diplomatic status and then drive across their speed-bump little country.

 

[Tropical Z]

Austria BLOWs!!!!!!!!!
Ill NEVER buy another Glock and may get rid of the G-21 i have.

 

[mons meg]

You could always trade it in for a Steyr...

 

[Freedom in theSkies]

I think they decided this after WWII so that they could have a bit more control from other countries armies driving in and setting up shop, like the Nazis' did.

And when it comes down to it, it's their country. They can do what they want.
Perhaps we should applaud the stance of the Austrian goverment for just minding it's own business. They certainly are'nt on the offensive, and promoting terrorism. They just want to mind their own affairs.

I love playing the Devils' advocate...

 

[Mark IV Series 80]

Christoph Meran, press counselor at the Austrian Embassy in Washington, told Reuters he understood that movement of the U.S. troops was being at least temporarily blocked because his country had rules allowing the movement of equipment and troops, but only under certain circumstances.

Austria has allowed U.S. troops pass through in the past.

It appears that they are trying to prevent the U.S. from "rushing into war" which some in Europe oppose.