IDENTIFYING "CREDIBLE VOICES" IN AUSTRIA'S MUSLIM

S E C R E T VIENNA 002438

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/PPD AND CTCC (VAN DE VELDE)

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/17/2032
TAGS: PGOV AU
SUBJECT: IDENTIFYING "CREDIBLE VOICES" IN AUSTRIA'S MUSLIM
COMMUNITY

REF: STATE 122288

Classified By: A/DCM J. DEAN YAP FOR REASONS 1.4(c).


1. (S/NF) The following is a list of "credible voices" in
Austria who are influential within the Muslim community and
who may be amenable to working with the Embassy in terms of
programming and outreach. While numerous other credible
voices exist in Austria, who speak out against extremism and
violence, many of these are also extremely critical of USG
policies and would not associate themselves with the Embassy.


2. (C) NAME: Mahdi, Reim
OCCUPATION: Iraquna, Austria-Iraq Friendship
Association
AGE: 23
GENDER: female
AFFILIATION: unknown
NATIONALITY: Austrian
ASSESSMENT: Ms. Mahdi has influence within the Iraqi
community in Austria. She is an IV candidate, nominated by
the Embassy.


3. (C) NAME: Heuberger, Valeria
OCCUPATION: Academic, Austrian Institute of East and
Southeast European Studies
AGE: 47
GENDER: female
AFFILIATION: Christian
NATIONALITY: Austrian
ASSESSMENT: Ms. Heuberger has limited influence within the
Muslim community in Austria. She participates in many
Embassy programs.


4. (C) NAME: Karakas, Hakan Alexander
OCCUPATION: Founder, NGO, "Future Through Language"
AGE: 28
GENDER: male
AFFILIATION: Christian
NATIONALITY: Austrian
ASSESSMENT: Mr. Karakas is able to reach young Muslims in
his work with the NGO. Embassy supports his NGO's interfaith
youth programs.


5. (C) NAME: Schlaffer, Edit
OCCUPATION: Women without Borders
AGE: 57
GENDER: female
AFFILIATION: unknown
NATIONALITY: Austrian
ASSESSMENT: Ms. Schlaffer's work with the NGO would give her
some influence with the Muslim community in Austria. Embassy
supported her conference for Muslim women.


6. (C) NAME: Oeztoplu, Buelent
OCCUPATION: Newspaper Publisher
AGE: 47
GENDER: Male
AFFILIATION: Muslim
NATIONALITY: Turkish
ASSESSMENT: A former IV, Mr. Oeztoplu has significant
influence with second generation Muslim immigrants through
his newspaper, "Wiener Biber".


7. (U) The POC for Muslim Outreach is Katherine Perez:
Telephone: 43-1-31339-2070; E-Mail: PerezKM@state.gov.
McCaw