Explain spying on us: Germany to UK
8 Nov 2013 4:50 AM IST
Germany’s foreign ministry has called in British ambassador Simon MacDonald to demand an explanation over allegations that his mission in Berlin is operating a ‘secret listening post’ to spy on the German government.
It is believed to be the first time that the German foreign ministry has called in a British ambassador since the end of World War II.
In contrast to the summoning of US ambassador John B Emerson by foreign minister Guido Westerwelle nearly two weeks ago to lodge a complaint over alleged tapping of chancellor Angela Merkel’s mobile phone by the National Security Agency, McDonald was ‘requested’ to visit the ministry for a meeting.
The head of the European department in the ministry, who held discussions with McDonald on Tuesday, conveyed to him the German government’s disapproval of the use of the British embassy for surveillance operations, as reported by The Independent newspaper and demanded an explanation from the British government, the ministry said in a statement.
McDonald was told by the official that ‘snooping into communications from the premises of a diplomatic mission is a violation of international law,’ the statement said.
The Independent reported on Tuesday that documents leaked by Edward Snowden and aerial photos suggested the existence of a listening post on the roof of the British embassy.
It is believed to be the first time that the German foreign ministry has called in a British ambassador since the end of World War II.
In contrast to the summoning of US ambassador John B Emerson by foreign minister Guido Westerwelle nearly two weeks ago to lodge a complaint over alleged tapping of chancellor Angela Merkel’s mobile phone by the National Security Agency, McDonald was ‘requested’ to visit the ministry for a meeting.
The head of the European department in the ministry, who held discussions with McDonald on Tuesday, conveyed to him the German government’s disapproval of the use of the British embassy for surveillance operations, as reported by The Independent newspaper and demanded an explanation from the British government, the ministry said in a statement.
McDonald was told by the official that ‘snooping into communications from the premises of a diplomatic mission is a violation of international law,’ the statement said.
The Independent reported on Tuesday that documents leaked by Edward Snowden and aerial photos suggested the existence of a listening post on the roof of the British embassy.
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