Chief Inspector Werner Schuller (58) from Euratsfeld had a unique experience. He works at the Federal Criminal Police Office and is responsible for international police cooperation. At Interpol’s 100th anniversary celebration, which took place from November 28th to December 1st at the Austria Center Vienna, he advised on the extensive preparations. After all, representatives from 195 countries were there to mark the anniversary. These include Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer, Interior Minister Gerhard Karner, numerous high-ranking representatives of the executive branch as well as the President and Secretary General of Inerpol and the President of Palau.
Separate people were assigned to look after the international guests. During these eventful days, Werner Schuller acted as a “liaison officer” for the Minister of Justice from Rwanda, Emmanuel Ugirashebuja. “That was a last-minute decision. It started with being picked up at the airport, then went to the hotel and back to the venues. Several receptions were also on the program. For example in the British Embassy, in the Vienna City Hall or in the Austria Center Vienna,” says Schuller.
The high-ranking politician Ugirashebuja was very sociable and people had a good conversation in English. “He was relaxed. Later he said to me: ‘You are a good man’, to which I replied: ‘You are a good minister’ and grabbed his shoulder. Something you certainly can’t do in Rwanda. But he laughed out loud, a very pleasant fellow. “But other colleagues certainly had more complicated people to look after,” Schuller remembers.
By the way, the celebrations themselves were very worthy; Austria presented itself very well internationally.
Interior Minister Gerhard Karner also gave a speech in the ballroom.
Photo:
private
