Representatives from the four occupying powers -- Britain, France, Russia and the United States -- attended a ceremony at the Belvedere Palace in Vienna, the castle where the state treaty was signed May 15, 1955. Thousands had gathered in the garden outside for a public party.

Austria has dubbed 2005 a year of reflection to observe the many World War II anniversaries taking place. Several of the milestones, such as the end of the war and the liberation of Austrian concentration camps, have evoked painful memories of a past the country is not proud of.

Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel acknowledged that Austria was late in accepting that it not only was a victim but also a perpetrator of Nazism.

The Japan Times Weekly: May 21, 2005
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