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U.S. Ambassador Eacho Challenges Students on Motivations for Student Protest

University of Salzburg
Salzburg, November 5, 2009

Some 70 students and faculty of Salzburg University had gathered at historic Max-Gandolph library in the heart of Salzburg as U.S. Ambassador to Austria William C. Eacho, III was arriving there. After a cordial introduction by the Vice-Rector for International Affairs, who hosted the event, the Ambassador gave a brief run-down of his professional career, his involvement with the Obama campaign, and his subsequent appointment as Ambassador to Austria. After highlighting key issues of the Obama administration such as climate change and the use of alternative energies, the Mission chief provided a tour d’horizon of topics of mutual concern for Austria, Europe and the United States including nuclear proliferation, global poverty, epidemic disease, violent extremism, and promotion of Middle East peace.

The Ambassador then entered into a discussion with the students, which produced a wide range of questions allowing him to comment further on issues such as President Obama’s stimulus package and the American way of dealing with religious diversity, among others. He also used the opportunity to question the audience about the causes of ongoing student protests at Austrian universities.


U.S. Ambassador to Austria William C. Eacho, III and Sonja Puntscher-Riekmann, Vice-Rector for International Affairs, University of Salzburg.	The Ambassador addressing the audience.