In the context of European unity, a spokesman for Romano Prodi said we have no illusions, that we are in an extremely difficult international and domestic political situation. I also want to draw to the attention of the House the position of other neutral countries. It has been pointed out, for example, that Austria has refused to allow US troop movements through its country but what has not been stated is that Austria is precluded under its constitution from permitting that activity on its soil. It is bound to neutrality by the 1955 state treaty and its constitution, which prohibit membership of military alliances and the establishment of foreign military bases in its territories. Austria would not have regained its freedom from the occupying powers but for that insertion in its constitution because the Soviet Union demanded a guarantee of neutrality before it agreed to its independence.