http://www.aftenposten.no/english/local/article2244756.ece Aftenposten's reporters Arild M Jonassen Per Kristian AAle Aftenposten English Web Desk Catherine Stein February 9 2008 Russian agents in Norway have reached levels as high as during the Cold War, warns the Norwegian Police Security Service (PST). Many other countries also have spies in Norway, climbing to a record number following a quiet period during the 1990s. "Im not going to comment on individual countries, but there are more countries active [in espionage] in Norway than people would think," PST chief Jrn Holme told Norwegian daily Aftenposten. Holme said unnamed sources indicate that Russian espionage activity is at an "all-time high", and other countries have also stepped up their activities in Norway. Russia and other countries are said to be interested in Norway because of its strategic geographical position and its offshore technological expertise. Also said to play a role are unresolved border issues between Russian and Norway regarding natural resources. However, researcher Jakub Godzimirski of the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI) says Russia does not view Norway as a military threat. "Seen from Moscows perspective, Norway is interesting because it is a member of NATO and the Kremlin sees Norway as an American outpost," Godzimirski told Aftenposten. "In addition, Norway is a significant gas and oil exporter," he said. "In the gas sector, the two countries compete in the same markets in Europe." Godzimirski says that while modern technology is used to get access to technical expertise, classic spy methods are also being employed, in which foreign agents actively recruit Norwegians through personal contacts. "One of our functions is to stop good Norwegians before they get pulled into these agents networks," said Godzimirski. Recruitment can occur without the person being aware of it, according to PST chief Holme. He also confirms that foreign countries are engaged in industrial espionage in Norway. Meanwhile, press attach Jevgenij Kolesnikov at the Russian Embassy in Oslo denies the accusations about increased spying. He says the relationship between the two countries has improved greatly and calls the PST statements "ungrounded and a repeat from the Cold War days." ___________________________________________________ Subscribe to InfoSec News http://www.infosecnews.org/mailman/listinfo/isn
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