InfoAnda - Vienna, one of the spy capitals of the world

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Conductor Levine withdrawing from upcoming shows | 30 September 2009
Panel Vote On Labor Secretary-Designee Hilda Solis Postponed After Tax Issues Surface | 6 February 2009
S.Korea, Uzbekistan sign accord on gasfield | 11 February 2010

Pet boom has Shanghai mulling one-dog policy | 11 November 2010

">Forum Views () ">Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Vienna, one of the spy capitals of the world

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail Yahoo! Search Search: Sign InNew User? Sign Up News Home - Help Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Asia Pacific World Search Search: Vienna, one of the spy capitals of the world AFP - Saturday, February 21 VIENNA (AFP) - - Twenty years after the end of the Cold War, Vienna remains a spy haven, swarming with foreign agents who think nothing of killing in broad daylight, while the Austrian authorities turn a blind eye, experts say. ADVERTISEMENT Vienna formed the backdrop to Orson Welles's legendary spy thriller "The Third Man" in 1949, but even today it remains a hive of secret service activity. "Austria is still a favourite place for agents. They're frequently known to the authorities, but rarely hindered. Everything is handled courteously and diplomatically. There's a long tradition in that," said Siegfried Beer, director of the Austrian Centre for Intelligence, Propaganda and Security Studies (ACIPSS), at the University of Graz. In the latest addition to a growing list of cases that look unlikely ever to be resolved, a Chechen dissident, Umar Israilov, was gunned down in broad daylight in the Austrian capital on January 13. Others cases include the 1989 killing of Abdul Rahman Ghassemlou, the head of a Kurdish opposition group in Iranian Kurdistan; and the attempted kidnapping in October 2008 of Kazakhstan's former intelligence chief Alnur Musayev. Both were living in exile in Austria. "Austria is a textbook case for this sort of operation that always remains unresolved. As soon as there is any sort of political link, the authorities start acting very strangely," said journalist Kid Moechel, an author of a book on the subject. For Peter Pilz, defence expert for the opposition Green party, "some regimes such as Russia and Iran enjoy a freedom to do as they please in Vienna that they would never enjoy elsewhere." "Quite simply, the Austrian authorities don't want to jeopardise their country's economic interests," the parliamentarian told AFP. He accused the Interior Ministry of trying to "cover up" the murder of Israilov, who had repeatedly asked for special police protection before he was gunned down while out grocery shopping last month. Vienna, whose geographical position makes it a point of contact between East and West and North and South, has one of the highest densities of spies in the world, experts say. It is home to international groups such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). In all, at least 17,000 diplomats are based in Vienna, equivalent to around one percent of the city's population, according to official figures obtained by AFP. "Around half of these have links to the secret services," said Beer. Politician Pilz asserted that Vienna is also "a hub where it's very easy to buy arms or hide or launder money." However, the advent in recent years of hundreds of thousands of refugees in Austria, including around 20,000 Chechens, is providing new impetus for secret service activity. "Every embassy watches its nationals very closely, particularly members of minorities," said Moechel. Beer said: "Embassies such as the Russian or the Chinese embassies are growing rapidly." According to some estimates, Russia has at least 500 secret service agents in Vienna, many of whom monitor Chechen exiles. Austria has admitted to working with Russia's FSB intelligence service -- the former KGB -- in the fight against terrorism. And, according to the three experts, Vienna also collaborates with the secret services of a number of other countries, sometimes to the chagrin of the United States. Occasionally, officials overstep the mark: the interior ministry confirmed this week that it had suspended two police officers who had been trying to find out the whereabouts of Rakhat Aliyev, the former son-in-law of Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev. Aliyev, the former Kazakh ambassador to Austria, has been convicted in his home country of kidnapping and murder. But he has always maintained his innocence and Vienna refused to extradite him in August 2007 on the grounds that he would not be given a fair trial at home. Officially at least, his current whereabouts are unknown. In its annual report, the interior ministry acknowledged that "Austria will remain a field of operation for foreign services, as is seen in the very large number of agents." But the ministry did not provide any concrete figure. Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Recommend this article Average (0 votes) Sign in to recommend this article » Most Recommended Stories » Related Articles: Entertainment & Lifestyle Conan says bye to New York with some old friendsAP - 2 hours 1 minute ago 'Slumdog Millionaire,' Ledger lead Oscars bettingAFP - Saturday, February 21 Rihanna won't discuss Chris Brown, but thanks fansAP - Saturday, February 21 San Francisco man faces fallout from `Wife Swap'AP - Saturday, February 21 Attorney: Peter Falk's care is adequateAP - Saturday, February 21 Enlarge Photo This file photo shows Austrian police headquaters in Vienna. Twenty years after the end of the Cold War, Vienna remains a spy haven, swarming with foreign agents who think nothing of killing in broad daylight, while the Austrian authorities turn a blind eye, experts say. Most Popular – Entertainment Viewed Huge gamma-ray blast spotted in space Malaria: Spoonful of sugar could save thousands of children Seductive chemicals hidden in sloppy kisses UBS plunges 10 pct amid widening US tax fraud probe Trial offers hope for curing peanut allergies View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - Community - Intellectual Property Rights Policy - Help

Other News on Saturday, 21 February 2009
Tamil Tiger aircraft attack Sri Lanka capital | International |
U.S. secures Afghan supply route | International |
Mexico tests remains for U.S. anti-kidnap expert | International |
Rights may take second place on Clinton China visit | International |
Latvian ruling coalition falls, PM resigns | International |
Mugabe turns 85 with challenge in party, unity government | International |
Court finds California video game law unconstitutional | Technology |
U.S. lawmaker to push repeal of online gambling ban | Technology |
Cable providers eye offering TV shows online: report | Technology |
Ill, disabled Aussie kids get first online network | Technology |
Recession Keeps Less Planes Flying, Making U.S. Neighborhoods Quieter
School Board In Florida Sets Homework Guidelines
China Internet users asked to probe custody death | Technology |
Update: Obama Thanks Mayors For Their Work; Says Stimulus Must Be Spent With Accountability
Amnesty International Asks Clinton To Retract Statement, Declare Human Rights Crucial To Chinese Relations
Democratic Congressmen Decry Hostilities During 'Unsanctioned' Trip To Gaza
Business Opportunities For Women, Minorities May Open If Chicago Wins 2016 Olympic Hosting Bid
Bill Clinton Gives Obama A Grade For First Month In Office
Cost Of Solar Installation Continues Drop
Picture of bruised Rihanna sparks police probe | Entertainment |
Leonard Cohen plays first U.S. concert in 15 years | Entertainment |
Actors and studios end contract talks, hit new snag | Entertainment |
Three foreign troops killed in Afghanistan
China and U.S. can lead world to recovery: Clinton | International |
20 nations offer to boost Afghan contributions: US
"Lethal Weapon" Screenwriter Sued By Ex-Girlfriend Of Assault
Netanyahu urges moderates to join broad government
Israel says rocket from Lebanon wounds woman | International |
'King of Pop' eyes concert comeback in London: reports
U.S. secures Afghan supply route | International |
Netanyahu asked to form Israel's next government
Alleged fraudster's Antigua bank closes
Rwandan army to start Congo withdrawal | International |
Paintings of "Polish Kafka" revealed in Israel
US gov't moves to dispel bank nationalization rumors
Iran understates uranium stocks to IAEA: diplomats | International |
Diplomats claim Iran understates uranium stocks to IAEA
Swiss court blocks bank data sharing with US: report
Australian author freed after Thai royal pardon | International |
Stroke deaths soar in poorer nations, drop in rich: study
Survey shows most Japanese want PM to quit | International |
Eurovision Song Contest beloved and belittled
EU auto sector drives into protectionism row
U.S. set to refurbish planes for Taiwan | International |
US annual inflation wiped out, deflation looms
Cancan dancers, Lord of Misrule open Rio Carnival | International |
Bank fears drag down world markets
Clinton in China pushes environment, finance
Clinton calls for deeper US-China partnership
Guantanamo in line with Geneva rules: official
US, allies 'can't delay' Iran worries: White House
Schwarzenegger Signs $130 Billion California Budget
San Francisco Highway Crash Kills 6
US protesters slam weak apology for monkey cartoon
Venezuela bans travel for Stanford bank execs
U.S. Soldier Convicted For Executing Iraqi Prisoners
US-TECH Summary
Group Counters Stimulus Plan With TV Ad Featuring Jesus
US military deaths in Afghanistan region at 581
Digital music services flunk college test
U.S. Concerned As Iran Expands Military Ties With Russia
Apple's Woz waltzes back into the spotlight | Technology |
US received Hamas letter for Obama: State Dept
Apple's Woz waltzes back into the spotlight
Feb 20 Highlights Of Low Points In U.S. Economy
Digital music services flunk college test | Technology |
US to prod Syrian envoy on terrorism, nukes
Appeals Court: Sale, Rental Of Violent Video Games To Minors Unconstitutional
Google shoots down 'Atlantis' pictures
White House says world can't delay on Iran
Small Business Administration Warns Of Scam Letter
California's video game law ruled unconstitutional
Price Of Consumer Goods Rose In January
U.S. lawmaker to push repeal of online gambling ban
Wall Street Rallies Late, But Still Closes Lower
EU's eastern nations fear western protectionism
Cable providers eye offering TV shows online: report
Britain asked to wait on Qatada deportation
China Internet users asked to probe custody death
Nigeria to clamp down on e-waste imports
Sri Lanka rebels call airstrike succes
Japan's Ishikawa misses PGA cut but gains respect at Riviera
Malaysian politician accused of giving away beef
Oscar nods shine spotlight on short films | Entertainment |
Obama broadens US targets in Pakistan: report
Slumdog kids to walk Oscar red carpet | Entertainment |
Clinton in China pushes environment, finance
No sign of recession at pre-Oscar gift suites | Entertainment |
"Slumdog" kids to walk Oscar red carpet
Clinton believes China and U.S. can lead world to recovery
Iran Praises Military Ties With Russia
Pirate abduction in Malacca Strait after long lull
Hollywood actors, producers talks end without deal
Project Runway show features phantom finalists | Entertainment |
Sri Lanka calls Tiger raid desperate bid to delay defeat
Piracy sinking Lebanon cinema, music, cable industry
Rebel planes raid Sri Lanka capital
Japan's Sharp to make LCD panels in China: report
Australian police probe Japanese whaling claims
Mutual funds investing in China
Prudential to take 9.9% stake in China Life
Conan says bye to New York with some old friends
Galicia's abandoned villages get new lives
China's tax revenue growth slows in 2008: govt
'Slumdog Millionaire,' Ledger lead Oscars betting
Rihanna won't discuss Chris Brown, but thanks fans
Vienna, one of the spy capitals of the world
San Francisco man faces fallout from `Wife Swap'
Attorney: Peter Falk's care is adequate
No sign of recession at pre-Oscar gift suites
'Slumdog' kids get ready for a trip to the Oscars
Indonesia president hopeful unrepentant on rights abuse
"Slumdog" kids to walk Oscar red carpet
Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison renamed and reopens
Violence flares on Israel-Lebanon border
Iraqi Kurdish politician wants rights protected
With new name and fresh paint, Abu Ghraib reopens
2 rockets fired from Lebanon towards Israel
Rocket from Lebanon wounds three Israelis: medics
Sudan says 28 killed in clashes with Darfur rebels
US, China to join forces on economy, climate change
Clinton in China to push climate, finance
US Senator Kerry meets Assad in Syria
Syria, US explore improving ties as Kerry visits
Obama urges control of mushrooming deficits
Iran offered to end Iraq attacks for nuke deal: BBC
Report: Edward Kennedy May Be Too Ill To Serve In Senate; Wife May Succeed Him
Louisiana Governor Rejects Some Stimulus Funds
Analysis: Even military split over Iraq pullout
Arrest Near In Chandra Levy Murder Case In DC
Spain denies arrest of top ETA leader
Seoul singer breaks world marathon singing record
Mum of kidnapped UN official pleads for help
Pakistan: Mother of captive American issues appeal
'Drunken antics' cost Japan minister his job: reports
Thailand arrests alleged people smuggler
India adds record 15.41 mobile million users in January
Statuettes topple at Saint Laurent art show
US, China to join forces on economy, climate change
Pakistan Taliban agree "permanent ceasefire" in Swat
'King of Pop' eyes London comeback concerts
Asian finance ministers in Thailand to discuss global crisis
Philippines: Fugitive arrested in lottery outlet
'Slumdog Millionaire' poised for Oscars glory
Tokyo Electric to build solar plant in California: report
China tries to silence dissidents for Clinton visit
Rio embarrassed by surge in Carnival crime against tourists
Pakistani cenbank sells 24 bln rupees of T-bills
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph		BlogMeter 1.01