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