Society 361 / 2012

Diplomatie
Interview
Farewell to Austria
After ten years of diplomatic service as
ambassador of Algeria to Austria, H.E.
Taous Feroukhi is leaving for Algiers.
She welcomed SOCIETY in the Algerian
residence in Döbling to talk about interior
design, Algeria and leaving Austria.
Interview: Tanja Tauchhammer
»I think that
Vienna has an
aristocratic air
to it that pushes
you for the better.
You always
have to try to
give your best.
«
Taous
Feroukhi
H.E. Taous Feroukhi was posted in Vienna
from 2002 to 2012. She is now leaving for
Algiers.
The interior of your residency
is magnificent.
Did you hire an interior
designer?
I loved engaging the
renovations that made the
difference in the Residence. The paintings
in the dining room and living room
for example are from an Algerian artist.
One of the paintings I bought from
the ambassador of Guatemala. His wife is
also a painter. Sometimes both of them
are painting. I like the originality of this
picture. In the diplomatic committee, we
have a lot of artists. Unfortunately I do not
have talent for the arts, but I have always
loved redesigning this house. There used
to be an indoor swimming pool which I
had removed in order to make more space
for inviting guests.
You have been here for ten years.
What did you like most about Austria?
Austria offers you a very convenient
life, because it is safe. It is an appealing
country with an interesting cultural life.
As a diplomat here, you get a relaxed life,
which makes your work so much easier.
62 | Society 1_2012