article 14, paragraph 7, the representative explained that only in exceptional cases, where new evidence was to be submitted, would a trial be reopened following a final judgement. The Government could envisage withdrawing Austria's reservations if the Committee or any other United Nations body could provide the necessary assurances that Austrian practice was not inconsistent with the Covenant. Freedom of movement and expulsion of aliens 107. With regard to that issue, members of the Committee wished to receive further information concerning the relevant judicial or administrative procedures for appeal against a prohibition order and asked whether such an appeal had suspensive effect. In addition, members wished to know whether there were, in law or in practice, any restrictions on the right of a citizen to establish his residence and domicile anywhere in Austria; what Austria's policy was on immigration and the granting of asylum; how many people had applied for refugee status or temporary status in Austria after fleeing Yugoslavia; and what policy was envisaged in the latter regard in the future. 108. In reply, the representative said the substance of article 13 of the Covenant had been incorporated into the Seventh Protocol to the European Convention and consequently into Austria's Constitution. However, the Protocol differed from the Covenant on the issue of whether an appeal against expulsion order had suspensive effect. Whilst the Protocol acknowledged in principle that there should be suspensive effect in cases of expulsion, some exceptions were regarded as necessary in cases involving public order and for reasons of national security. In those exceptional cases an alien might be expelled before he could exercise his right to submit reasons against the expulsion, to have his case reviewed and to be represented. 109. Regarding the freedom of movement, the representative confirmed that Austrian nationals could move freely within the country. On the question of asylum, Austria's policy was to grant asylum to political refugees under all circumstances. For other refugees, the Government was trying to work out an adequate policy. At present, if a refugee had passed through a country where his security was guaranteed, he would be repatriated to that country. Only a few requests for refugee status had been made by Slovenians and Croatians and they had been granted. Freedom of religion and expression; prohibition of propaganda for war and incitement to national, racial or religious hatred 110. In connection with those issues, members wished to be informed of the modalities applicable to conscientious objectors and the duration of the alternative service required of them; how Jehovah's Witnesses, who objected fco any kind of alternative service, were dealt with; which practices were not considered as being consistent with public order or public morals; how the right to seek information, envisaged in article 19, paragraph 2, of the Covenant, was guaranteed; whether the application of article 111 of the Criminal Code had given rise to any difficulties with regard to the implementation of article 19 of the Covenant; and what limits were imposed by Austrian law on the right to seek and impart information. -24-

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