The United Nations said recently that its offices in Geneva and Vienna were targeted by a "well-resourced" cyber attack in the middle of last year that exposed a list of user accounts.

The hack targeted an active user directory, which contained the&nbsp;IDs of the UN staff and devices.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-instructs-officials-not-to-use-whatsapp-not-supported-as-a-secure-mechanism-says-spokesman-276367">Also Read: UN instructs officials not to use WhatsApp</a>

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric, however, added that "the damage related to the specific attack has been contained and additional measures implemented."

Hackers reportedly targeted the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) which collects data on rights abuses across the world.

"The UN responds to multiple attacks at various levels of sophistication on a daily basis, this particular attack is not a landmark event," the spokesman added.

The world body said the hackers "did not compromise sensitive information" while adding that it faces "frequent attempts to access our computer systems".

Post the unprecedented cyber hack, additional mitigation measures have been implemented by the UN amid continuing threats of future attacks.&nbsp;

In June last year, the UN world body had directed its officials not to use WhatsApp to communicate because of it not qualifying as a secured mechanism.&nbsp;

Headquartered in New York, the United Nations has its offices in Geneva, home to to the Human Rights Council, the High Commissioner for human rights, the World Health Organization and the World Trade Organization.

The United Nations said recently that its offices in Geneva and Vienna were targeted by a "well-resourced" cyber attack in the middle of last year that exposed a list of user accounts.

The United Nations said recently that its offices in Geneva and Vienna were targeted by a "well-resourced" cyber attack in the middle of last year that exposed a list of user accounts. The hack targeted an active user directory, which contained the IDs of the UN staff and devices. Also Read: UN instructs officials not to use WhatsApp UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric, however, added that "the damage related to the specific attack has been contained and additional measures implemented." Hackers reportedly targeted the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) which collects data on rights abuses across the world. "The UN responds to multiple attacks at various levels of sophistication on a daily basis, this particular attack is not a landmark event," the spokesman added. The world body said the hackers "did not compromise sensitive information" while adding that it faces "frequent attempts to access our computer systems". Post the unprecedented cyber hack, additional mitigation measures have been implemented by the UN amid continuing threats of future attacks. In June last year, the UN world body had directed its officials not to use WhatsApp to communicate because of it not qualifying as a secured mechanism. Headquartered in New York, the United Nations has its offices in Geneva, home to to the Human Rights Council, the High Commissioner for human rights, the World Health Organization and the World Trade Organization.

United Nations confirms Geneva, Vienna offices hacked

Hopes for a trade deal between the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-us-had-constructive-phone-call-on-trade-report-262656">Unit</a>ed States and China and expectations that OPEC would extend production cuts supported oil prices on Monday, helping them hold on to last week's gains.

Brent crude futures, which rose 1.3 per cent&nbsp;last week, were little changed, trading at above $63 per barrel at 1100 GMT.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was also flat at $57.7 a barrel, having gained 0.8 per cent&nbsp;last week.

Oil rose on Friday as comments from a top US&nbsp;official raised optimism for a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-us-had-constructive-phone-call-on-trade-report-262656">US-China trade deal</a>, although worries about increasing crude supplies capped prices.

"In the short term, US-China trade talks and (the) OPEC meeting in early December are the two biggest events oil traders are watching for," Margaret Yang, an analyst at CMC Markets, said.

The 16-month trade war between the world's two biggest economies has slowed global growth, prompting analysts to lower forecasts for oil demand growth and raising concerns that a supply glut could develop in 2020.

China and the United States had "constructive talks" on trade in a high-level call on Saturday, state media Xinhua reported on Sunday, but it gave few other details.

In a signal that policymakers are ready to act to prop up slowing growth, China's central bank unexpectedly trimmed a closely-watched lending rate on Monday, the first such cut in more than four years.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) said last week it expected demand for its oil to fall in 2020, supporting a view that there is a case for the group and other producers like Russia - collectively known as 'OPEC+' - to maintain limits on production that were introduced to cope with a supply glut.

OPEC and its allies are expected to discuss output policy at a meeting on December&nbsp;5-6 in Vienna. Their existing production deal runs until March.

US&nbsp;energy firms this week reduced the number of oil rigs operating for a fourth week in a row.

Hopes for a trade deal between the United States and China and expectations that OPEC would extend production cuts supported oil prices on Monday, helping them hold on to last week's gains.

Hopes for a trade deal between the United States and China and expectations that OPEC would extend production cuts supported oil prices on Monday, helping them hold on to last week's gains. Brent crude futures, which rose 1.3 per cent last week, were little changed, trading at above $63 per barrel at 1100 GMT. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was also flat at $57.7 a barrel, having gained 0.8 per cent last week. Oil rose on Friday as comments from a top US official raised optimism for a US-China trade deal, although worries about increasing crude supplies capped prices. "In the short term, US-China trade talks and (the) OPEC meeting in early December are the two biggest events oil traders are watching for," Margaret Yang, an analyst at CMC Markets, said. The 16-month trade war between the world's two biggest economies has slowed global growth, prompting analysts to lower forecasts for oil demand growth and raising concerns that a supply glut could develop in 2020. China and the United States had "constructive talks" on trade in a high-level call on Saturday, state media Xinhua reported on Sunday, but it gave few other details. In a signal that policymakers are ready to act to prop up slowing growth, China's central bank unexpectedly trimmed a closely-watched lending rate on Monday, the first such cut in more than four years. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) said last week it expected demand for its oil to fall in 2020, supporting a view that there is a case for the group and other producers like Russia - collectively known as 'OPEC+' - to maintain limits on production that were introduced to cope with a supply glut. OPEC and its allies are expected to discuss output policy at a meeting on December 5-6 in Vienna. Their existing production deal runs until March. US energy firms this week reduced the number of oil rigs operating for a fourth week in a row.

Oil prices hold above $63 on trade talk optimism, OPEC

Vienna has been declared the number one city in the annual Global Liveability Index for the second year in a row, narrowly beating Melbourne.

World's most liveable cities 2019: Vienna again tops the list

Britain, France, Germany, Russia, and China met Iran in Vienna on Sunday (July 28) for talks to save the 2015 nuclear deal. The Joint Commission of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the deal's formal name, is chaired by the EU foreign policy service's Secretary General Helga Schmid. U.S. President Donald Trump pulled out of an international agreement on Iran's nuclear programme last year and stepped up sanctions on Tehran. He said the nuclear deal was flawed because it did not include curbs on Iran's development of ballistic missiles or its support for proxies in Syria, Yemen, Lebanon, and Iraq. Iran has ruled out talks with Washington over its military capabilities, particularly the missile programme that it says is defensive. It denies the missiles are capable of being tipped with nuclear warheads and says its nuclear programme is peaceful.

Europeans, China, Russia meet Iran in Vienna to save nuclear deal

Representatives of Iran, Germany, France, Britain, China, Russia and the European Union met in Vienna to discuss the 2015 agreement that restricts the Iranian nuclear program. Watch video to know more

EU, China and Russia meet Iran in Vienna

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-intends-to-restart-activities-at-arak-heavy-water-nuclear-reactor-report-238974">Iran</a> said Sunday it considered Britain's seizure of an Iranian oil tanker a breach of the ailing 2015 nuclear deal, as the remaining parties to the accord meet in Vienna in another attempt to salvage the agreement.

British authorities <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-ships-stranded-in-brazil-are-set-to-depart-officials-238954">detained an Iranian tanker</a> off the UK overseas territory of Gibraltar in early July on allegations it was breaching EU sanctions on Syria.

On July 19, a British-flagged tanker was impounded by Iran's Revolutionary Guards with its 23 crew aboard in the Strait of Hormuz, which was seen by the UK as a tit-for-tat move.

Arriving at the meeting in Vienna, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-deputy-foreign-minister-says-tehran-has-not-lost-any-drones-237039">Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi</a> linked the tanker row to discussions over the nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

"Developments have occurred, such as the seizure of the tanker carrying Iranian oil in Gibraltar, which in our view is considered a breach of the JCPOA," Araghchi said in comments carried on Iranian state TV.

"Countries party to the JCPOA must not create any obstacles in the way of Iran exporting its oil," he added.

Araghchi was speaking as envoys from Britain, France, Germany, China, Russia, and Iran gathered for talks in the Austrian capital, a month after a similar meeting failed to achieve a breakthrough.

Mounting tensions

Tensions between Tehran and Washington have escalated since last year when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-supreme-court-lets-trump-use-disputed-funds-of-25-billion-for-border-wall-238745">US President Donald Trump</a> pulled out of the accord that was aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear programme and imposed punishing sanctions.

Iran said in May it would disregard certain limits the JCPOA set on its nuclear programme and threatened to take further measures if remaining parties to the deal, especially European nations, did not help it circumvent the US sanctions.

Even before the latest tanker seizures, pressure had been mounting in the region with a string of incidents involving tankers and drones.

The US has said it brought down one and possibly two Iranian drones last week, and blamed Tehran for a series of mysterious attacks on tanker ships in strategic Gulf water.

Iran shot down an unmanned US aircraft in June, after which Trump announced that he had called off retaliatory airstrikes at the last minute because the resulting death toll would have been too high.

The US and Gulf powerhouse Saudi Arabia has accused Iran of being behind multiple attacks on tankers in the Gulf in June, which Iran denies.

Efforts by European powers, notably France's President Emmanuel Macron, to salvage the nuclear deal have so far come to nothing.

The remaining signatories, however, have pledged to work towards a breakthrough at a future ministerial session, for which no date has yet been fixed.

Referring to the need for a "preparatory meeting before the ministerial-level meeting that will be necessary", one European diplomat told AFP it was "imperative to talk to the Iranians after the proven violations of their commitments".

The European Union said earlier this week the extraordinary meeting would be chaired by the secretary-general of the European External Action Service, Helga Schmid.

It said the talks were requested by Britain, France, Germany, and Iran and would examine issues linked to the implementation of the JCPOA. 
&nbsp;

Iran said Sunday it considered Britain's seizure of an Iranian oil tanker a breach of the ailing 2015 nuclear deal, as the remaining parties to the accord meet in Vienna in another attempt to salvage the agreement.

Iran said Sunday it considered Britain's seizure of an Iranian oil tanker a breach of the ailing 2015 nuclear deal, as the remaining parties to the accord meet in Vienna in another attempt to salvage the agreement. British authorities detained an Iranian tanker off the UK overseas territory of Gibraltar in early July on allegations it was breaching EU sanctions on Syria. On July 19, a British-flagged tanker was impounded by Iran's Revolutionary Guards with its 23 crew aboard in the Strait of Hormuz, which was seen by the UK as a tit-for-tat move. Arriving at the meeting in Vienna, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi linked the tanker row to discussions over the nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). "Developments have occurred, such as the seizure of the tanker carrying Iranian oil in Gibraltar, which in our view is considered a breach of the JCPOA," Araghchi said in comments carried on Iranian state TV. "Countries party to the JCPOA must not create any obstacles in the way of Iran exporting its oil," he added. Araghchi was speaking as envoys from Britain, France, Germany, China, Russia, and Iran gathered for talks in the Austrian capital, a month after a similar meeting failed to achieve a breakthrough. Mounting tensions Tensions between Tehran and Washington have escalated since last year when US President Donald Trump pulled out of the accord that was aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear programme and imposed punishing sanctions. Iran said in May it would disregard certain limits the JCPOA set on its nuclear programme and threatened to take further measures if remaining parties to the deal, especially European nations, did not help it circumvent the US sanctions. Even before the latest tanker seizures, pressure had been mounting in the region with a string of incidents involving tankers and drones. The US has said it brought down one and possibly two Iranian drones last week, and blamed Tehran for a series of mysterious attacks on tanker ships in strategic Gulf water. Iran shot down an unmanned US aircraft in June, after which Trump announced that he had called off retaliatory airstrikes at the last minute because the resulting death toll would have been too high. The US and Gulf powerhouse Saudi Arabia has accused Iran of being behind multiple attacks on tankers in the Gulf in June, which Iran denies. Efforts by European powers, notably France's President Emmanuel Macron, to salvage the nuclear deal have so far come to nothing. The remaining signatories, however, have pledged to work towards a breakthrough at a future ministerial session, for which no date has yet been fixed. Referring to the need for a "preparatory meeting before the ministerial-level meeting that will be necessary", one European diplomat told AFP it was "imperative to talk to the Iranians after the proven violations of their commitments". The European Union said earlier this week the extraordinary meeting would be chaired by the secretary-general of the European External Action Service, Helga Schmid. It said the talks were requested by Britain, France, Germany, and Iran and would examine issues linked to the implementation of the JCPOA.

Britain's seizure of oil tanker breach of ailing 2015 nuclear deal: Iran

Iran on Friday warned that the diplomatic meeting in Vienna among the remaining signatories of the embattled 2015 nuclear deal may be the "last chance" to save the historic accord.

Officials from the deal`s remaining signatories, including China, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Iran and the European Union, held talks in the Austrian capital on Friday after Tehran had warned that it would soon breach the limit of producing low-enriched uranium mandated by the nuclear agreement, Al Jazeera reported.

"It was a step forward, but it is still not enough and not meeting Iran`s expectations," Iran`s Deputy Foreign Minister and top nuclear negotiator Abbas Araqchi told reporters Vienna.

"I don`t think the progress made today will be enough to stop our process but the decision will be made in Tehran," he added.

The meeting took place amid growing concern that the deal could collapse, a year after the United States unilaterally withdrew from the accord, which limits Iran`s nuclear activity in exchange for relief from sanctions.

After pulling out, Washington reimposed sanctions on Tehran and called for Iranian oil exports to be reduced to zero as part of a "maximum pressure" campaign against Tehran, which has dramatically reduced Iran`s oil exports.

In addition to the stockpile limit, Iran has said that in early July it will start to enrich uranium above the 3.67 per cent cap agreed in the deal.

Meanwhile, in a statement on Friday, the EU said Germany, France and the UK have set up a special trade channel with Iran that aims to circumvent US sanctions on the Islamic Republic.

China`s delegate at the talks, Fu Cong, said Beijing would continue to import Iranian oil despite Washington`s sanctions on Tehran.

"We reject the unilateral imposition of sanctions," he stressed.

"For us, energy security is important and the importation of Iranian oil is important to Chinese energy security and also the livelihood of the people," Cong was quoted as saying.

He added that the meeting was "conducive to easing tensions in the region", referring to sabre-rattling between Washington and Tehran in the Gulf.

Concern about a possible confrontation in the region escalated sharply last week when Iran shot down a US unmanned drone, which Tehran said was in its airspace.

The US said it was downed in international airspace. US President Donald Trump ordered retaliatory attacks on Iran but later cancelled them, saying they would not have been proportional.

It was the latest in a series of escalatory events in the Gulf region in recent weeks, including alleged attacks on tankers which the US has blamed on Iran, despite Tehran`s denials.

Iran on Friday warned that the diplomatic meeting in Vienna among the remaining signatories of the embattled 2015 nuclear deal may be the "last chance" to save the historic accord.

Iran on Friday warned that the diplomatic meeting in Vienna among the remaining signatories of the embattled 2015 nuclear deal may be the "last chance" to save the historic accord. Officials from the deal`s remaining signatories, including China, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Iran and the European Union, held talks in the Austrian capital on Friday after Tehran had warned that it would soon breach the limit of producing low-enriched uranium mandated by the nuclear agreement, Al Jazeera reported. "It was a step forward, but it is still not enough and not meeting Iran`s expectations," Iran`s Deputy Foreign Minister and top nuclear negotiator Abbas Araqchi told reporters Vienna. "I don`t think the progress made today will be enough to stop our process but the decision will be made in Tehran," he added. The meeting took place amid growing concern that the deal could collapse, a year after the United States unilaterally withdrew from the accord, which limits Iran`s nuclear activity in exchange for relief from sanctions. After pulling out, Washington reimposed sanctions on Tehran and called for Iranian oil exports to be reduced to zero as part of a "maximum pressure" campaign against Tehran, which has dramatically reduced Iran`s oil exports. In addition to the stockpile limit, Iran has said that in early July it will start to enrich uranium above the 3.67 per cent cap agreed in the deal. Meanwhile, in a statement on Friday, the EU said Germany, France and the UK have set up a special trade channel with Iran that aims to circumvent US sanctions on the Islamic Republic. China`s delegate at the talks, Fu Cong, said Beijing would continue to import Iranian oil despite Washington`s sanctions on Tehran. "We reject the unilateral imposition of sanctions," he stressed. "For us, energy security is important and the importation of Iranian oil is important to Chinese energy security and also the livelihood of the people," Cong was quoted as saying. He added that the meeting was "conducive to easing tensions in the region", referring to sabre-rattling between Washington and Tehran in the Gulf. Concern about a possible confrontation in the region escalated sharply last week when Iran shot down a US unmanned drone, which Tehran said was in its airspace. The US said it was downed in international airspace. US President Donald Trump ordered retaliatory attacks on Iran but later cancelled them, saying they would not have been proportional. It was the latest in a series of escalatory events in the Gulf region in recent weeks, including alleged attacks on tankers which the US has blamed on Iran, despite Tehran`s denials.

Vienna meeting is 'last chance' to save 2015 nuclear deal, Iran warns

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Hundreds of fans queued in the rain to pay their last respects to <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/andreas-nikolaus-niki-lauda-three-time-formula-one-champion-dies-at-70-220260&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiNrbqds8DiAhV3_XMBHaSuCHoQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3VjlEF4UIM9dRHM8t_JAft">motor racing great Niki Lauda</a> as he lay in state in St. Stephen's Cathedral in his home city of Vienna on Wednesday.

The triple world champion, best remembered for his comeback from a fiery crash in 1976 that left him badly burned and scarred him for life, died last week at the age of 70.

Members of Lauda's family accompanied pallbearers carrying his remains into the gothic cathedral in the morning.

His wife Birgit and two of his sons placed Lauda's red-and-white driver's helmet on the casket.

Fans then came in and filed past the coffin that was placed on a platform in the centre of the cathedral.

Stars of Formula One past and present were due to attend a private Requiem Mass at 1 p.m. (1100 GMT).

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-1976-tragic-accident-to-courting-controversies-niki-lauda-will-be-remembered-for-his-fighting-spirit-220358&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiNrbqds8DiAhV3_XMBHaSuCHoQFjACegQIDhAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw1tswRmx9VcdJ33BdJIuTL6">Lauda's</a> former McLaren teammate Alain Prost will give a reading from the Old Testament at the private ceremony, the Vienna archdiocese said.

Five-time world champion Lewis Hamilton - who raced to victory in the Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday in a helmet bearing Lauda's colours and name - is also due to join the congregation.

Fellow Austrian racing driver Gerhard Berger, Austrian-born star Arnold Schwarzenegger and two Austrian dignitaries -President Alexander Van der Bellen and recently ousted Chancellor Sebastian Kurz - will give short speeches at the end of the service.

Lauda will be buried at a smaller ceremony later in the day.

Hundreds of fans queued in the rain to pay their last respects to motor racing great Niki Lauda as he lay in state in St. Stephen's Cathedral in his home city of Vienna on Wednesday.

Hundreds of fans queued in the rain to pay their last respects to motor racing great Niki Lauda as he lay in state in St. Stephen's Cathedral in his home city of Vienna on Wednesday. The triple world champion, best remembered for his comeback from a fiery crash in 1976 that left him badly burned and scarred him for life, died last week at the age of 70. Members of Lauda's family accompanied pallbearers carrying his remains into the gothic cathedral in the morning. His wife Birgit and two of his sons placed Lauda's red-and-white driver's helmet on the casket. Fans then came in and filed past the coffin that was placed on a platform in the centre of the cathedral. Stars of Formula One past and present were due to attend a private Requiem Mass at 1 p.m. (1100 GMT). Lauda's former McLaren teammate Alain Prost will give a reading from the Old Testament at the private ceremony, the Vienna archdiocese said. Five-time world champion Lewis Hamilton - who raced to victory in the Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday in a helmet bearing Lauda's colours and name - is also due to join the congregation. Fellow Austrian racing driver Gerhard Berger, Austrian-born star Arnold Schwarzenegger and two Austrian dignitaries -President Alexander Van der Bellen and recently ousted Chancellor Sebastian Kurz - will give short speeches at the end of the service. Lauda will be buried at a smaller ceremony later in the day.

Fans queue to say last goodbye to racing legend Niki Lauda in Vienna

Vienna waltzes to quality of living win for 10th year

The&nbsp;Joint&nbsp;Commission&nbsp;of the&nbsp;Joint&nbsp;Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) held its first meeting in&nbsp;Vienna&nbsp;on Wednesday since the establishment of the European Union's (EU) so-called special purpose vehicle (SPV) designed to facilitate trade with&nbsp;Iran.

The meeting was hosted by Helga Schmid, Secretary General of the European External Action Service, and attended by representatives from China, France, Germany, Russia, Britain and Iran.

The meeting was held&nbsp;without&nbsp;the United States, which endorsed the&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;deal&nbsp;with Tehran during the Obama administration but withdrew from it under President Donald Trump in spite of the EU's repeated calls for it to remain in the&nbsp;deal.

Since the U.S.' withdrawal in May last year, some other countries involved, including major European powers such as Germany, France, and Britain, have tried to keep the&nbsp;deal&nbsp;alive.

In a statement after the meeting, all parties reiterated their commitments to upholding and implementing the&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;deal&nbsp;and enhancing coordination in this regard. Fu Cong, head of the Department of Arms Control of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, called for unity and efforts by all parties to push for the implementation of the&nbsp;deal.

At the end of January, the foreign ministers of France, Germany, and Britain launched the special purpose vehicle to secure trade with&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;and skirt the U.S.' anti-Iran&nbsp;sanctions after Washington pulled out of the landmark 2015&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;deal.

By launching the SPV mechanism, or the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX), the three European countries reiterated "their resolute commitment and continued efforts to preserve the&nbsp;Joint&nbsp;Comprehensive Plan of Action".

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;will establish a mirror structure this month and hopes the two mechanisms can work with each other.

"We hope that in the coming weeks, INSTEX would become operational. This is for all the goods and commodities, not only humanitarian goods but maybe it started from humanitarian, in order to set the patterns for doing business with&nbsp;Iran," said Araghchi.

The Joint Commission of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) held its first meeting in Vienna on Wednesday since the establishment of the European Union's (EU) so-called special purpose vehicle (SPV) designed to facilitate trade with Iran.

The Joint Commission of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) held its first meeting in Vienna on Wednesday since the establishment of the European Union's (EU) so-called special purpose vehicle (SPV) designed to facilitate trade with Iran. The meeting was hosted by Helga Schmid, Secretary General of the European External Action Service, and attended by representatives from China, France, Germany, Russia, Britain and Iran. The meeting was held without the United States, which endorsed the nuclear deal with Tehran during the Obama administration but withdrew from it under President Donald Trump in spite of the EU's repeated calls for it to remain in the deal. Since the U.S.' withdrawal in May last year, some other countries involved, including major European powers such as Germany, France, and Britain, have tried to keep the deal alive. In a statement after the meeting, all parties reiterated their commitments to upholding and implementing the Iran nuclear deal and enhancing coordination in this regard. Fu Cong, head of the Department of Arms Control of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, called for unity and efforts by all parties to push for the implementation of the deal. At the end of January, the foreign ministers of France, Germany, and Britain launched the special purpose vehicle to secure trade with Iran and skirt the U.S.' anti-Iran sanctions after Washington pulled out of the landmark 2015 nuclear deal. By launching the SPV mechanism, or the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX), the three European countries reiterated "their resolute commitment and continued efforts to preserve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action". Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran will establish a mirror structure this month and hopes the two mechanisms can work with each other. "We hope that in the coming weeks, INSTEX would become operational. This is for all the goods and commodities, not only humanitarian goods but maybe it started from humanitarian, in order to set the patterns for doing business with Iran," said Araghchi.

Iran nuclear deal joint commission meets in Vienna without US

Eight people suffered minor injuries during an aborted take-off at London Stansted Airport, causing flights to be suspended for around three hours.

The crew on the Laudamotion flight to Vienna suspected engine problems on the runway shortly after 8:00 pm on Friday.

Passengers reported a bang rocking the cabin.

Thomas Steer said there was a "big bang on the side of the aircraft which skidded to a stop".

The estate agent, 24, from Essex, eastern England, said: "It was scary. And then the staff shouting 'evacuate evacuate'.

"My friend opened the emergency exit and we slid down the slides, a few old people fell over and the fire brigade treated them.

"No-one was seriously injured, just minor things."

An airport spokesman said it had received reports that eight people suffered minor injuries in the incident.

Laudamotion tweeted that the crew "decided to abort the take-off due to engine issues and to disembark the passengers on the runway as a precautionary measure."

Stansted is Britain's fourth-busiest airport.

The airport tweeted around 11:00 pm that the runway had re-opened and was fully operational again.

Eight people suffered minor injuries during an aborted take-off at London Stansted Airport, causing flights to be suspended for around three hours. The crew on the Laudamotion flight to Vienna suspected engine problems on the runway shortly after 8:00 pm on Friday.

Eight people suffered minor injuries during an aborted take-off at London Stansted Airport, causing flights to be suspended for around three hours. The crew on the Laudamotion flight to Vienna suspected engine problems on the runway shortly after 8:00 pm on Friday. Passengers reported a bang rocking the cabin. Thomas Steer said there was a "big bang on the side of the aircraft which skidded to a stop". The estate agent, 24, from Essex, eastern England, said: "It was scary. And then the staff shouting 'evacuate evacuate'. "My friend opened the emergency exit and we slid down the slides, a few old people fell over and the fire brigade treated them. "No-one was seriously injured, just minor things." An airport spokesman said it had received reports that eight people suffered minor injuries in the incident. Laudamotion tweeted that the crew "decided to abort the take-off due to engine issues and to disembark the passengers on the runway as a precautionary measure." Stansted is Britain's fourth-busiest airport. The airport tweeted around 11:00 pm that the runway had re-opened and was fully operational again.

Eight hurt in aborted take-off at London airport

One person has died and another been seriously injured after shots were fired in the historic centre of the Austrian capital Vienna, an ambulance service spokesman told AFP.

Police said in a statement that the shooting happened in the Lugeck area of the city's first district at 1:30 pm.

The circumstances were still unclear, it added.

"Following the shooting in the city centre, there are intensive search operations going on throughout the city," police said in a tweet.

"There is no danger to bystanders at this time!" it added.

A police helicopter could be seen over the city centre near where the two casualties were found.

One person has died and another been seriously injured after shots were fired in the historic centre of the Austrian capital Vienna, an ambulance service spokesman told AFP.

One person has died and another been seriously injured after shots were fired in the historic centre of the Austrian capital Vienna, an ambulance service spokesman told AFP. Police said in a statement that the shooting happened in the Lugeck area of the city's first district at 1:30 pm. The circumstances were still unclear, it added. "Following the shooting in the city centre, there are intensive search operations going on throughout the city," police said in a tweet. "There is no danger to bystanders at this time!" it added. A police helicopter could be seen over the city centre near where the two casualties were found.

One killed, another wounded in Vienna shooting

The US has decided to withdraw from the optional protocol on disputes of the Vienna Convention, National Security Adviser John Bolton said Wednesday, citing a Palestinian lawsuit challenging America's move to shift its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem as the reason.

The announcement by the White House came soon after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/after-icj-verdict-us-terminate-1955-treaty-amity-iran-169266">termination of the 1955 Treaty of Amity</a> with Iran.

Iran made a mockery of the treaty with its support for terrorism, provocative ballistic missile proliferation and malign behaviour throughout the Middle East, Bolton told reporters at a White House news conference.

"In addition to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-origin-threat-us-missions-iraq-pompeo-169265">Treaty of Amity</a>, I am announcing that the president has decided that the United States will withdraw from the Optional Protocol and Dispute Resolution to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations," Bolton said.

"This is in connection with a case brought by the so-called state of Palestine naming the United States as a defendant, challenging our move of our embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem," he said.

Bolton, simultaneously underscored that the US remained a party to the underlying Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, and it expects all other parties to abide by their international obligations under the convention.

The top Trump administration official insisted that the two actions were consistent with the decisions former US President Ronald Reagan made in the 1980s in the wake of the politicised suits against the US by Nicaragua to terminate its acceptance of the Optional Compulsory Jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice under Article 36-2 of the ICJ statute, and his decision to withdraw from a bilateral treaty with Nicaragua.

"It is also consistent with the decision President Bush made in 2005 to withdraw from the Optional Protocol to the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations following the ICJ's interference in our domestic criminal justice system," he said.

Bolton also said the administration was reviewing all international agreements that could expose it to binding decisions by the International Court of Justice saying it was politicised and ineffective.

The US in May opened its embassy in Jerusalem under a controversial move by President Donald Trump, amid a bloodbath right on the border with Gaza where Israeli soldiers shot dead at least 52 Palestinians in clashes, in the deadliest escalation of violence since 2014.

President Donald Trump announced the decision to move the embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in December, when he formally recognised the holy city as the capital of Israel, breaking away from decades of US neutrality on the sensitive issue.

The US has decided to withdraw from the optional protocol on disputes of the Vienna Convention, National Security Adviser John Bolton said Wednesday, citing a Palestinian lawsuit challenging America's move to shift its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem as the reason.

The US has decided to withdraw from the optional protocol on disputes of the Vienna Convention, National Security Adviser John Bolton said Wednesday, citing a Palestinian lawsuit challenging America's move to shift its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem as the reason. The announcement by the White House came soon after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the termination of the 1955 Treaty of Amity with Iran. Iran made a mockery of the treaty with its support for terrorism, provocative ballistic missile proliferation and malign behaviour throughout the Middle East, Bolton told reporters at a White House news conference. "In addition to the Treaty of Amity, I am announcing that the president has decided that the United States will withdraw from the Optional Protocol and Dispute Resolution to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations," Bolton said. "This is in connection with a case brought by the so-called state of Palestine naming the United States as a defendant, challenging our move of our embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem," he said. Bolton, simultaneously underscored that the US remained a party to the underlying Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, and it expects all other parties to abide by their international obligations under the convention. The top Trump administration official insisted that the two actions were consistent with the decisions former US President Ronald Reagan made in the 1980s in the wake of the politicised suits against the US by Nicaragua to terminate its acceptance of the Optional Compulsory Jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice under Article 36-2 of the ICJ statute, and his decision to withdraw from a bilateral treaty with Nicaragua. "It is also consistent with the decision President Bush made in 2005 to withdraw from the Optional Protocol to the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations following the ICJ's interference in our domestic criminal justice system," he said. Bolton also said the administration was reviewing all international agreements that could expose it to binding decisions by the International Court of Justice saying it was politicised and ineffective. The US in May opened its embassy in Jerusalem under a controversial move by President Donald Trump, amid a bloodbath right on the border with Gaza where Israeli soldiers shot dead at least 52 Palestinians in clashes, in the deadliest escalation of violence since 2014. President Donald Trump announced the decision to move the embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in December, when he formally recognised the holy city as the capital of Israel, breaking away from decades of US neutrality on the sensitive issue.

US pulls out of optional protocol on Vienna Convention

Signatories of the Iran nuclear deal meet with the Islamic republic in Vienna&nbsp;on Friday&nbsp;in a bid to save the agreement two weeks after Washington's dramatic withdrawal.

For the first time since the deal came into force in 2015, China, Russia, France, Britain and Germany will gather -- at Iran's request -- without the United States, which pulled out on May 8.

US President Donald Trump has long trashed the deal with Iran -- concluded under his predecessor Barack Obama -- saying it did not do enough to curtail Tehran's nuclear ambitions.&nbsp;

He also said it did not go far enough in restricting Iran's ballistic missile programme, or its intervention in regional conflicts from Yemen to Iraq and Syria.

Since the US's pull out, the other signatories have since embarked on a diplomatic marathon to try to keep the agreement afloat.

According to a report seen by AFP&nbsp;Thursday, an International Atomic Energy Agency report shows Iran is still abiding by the deal's key restrictions on its nuclear facilities in return for relief from damaging economic sanctions.

The IAEA, however, is "encouraging (Iran) to go above and beyond the requirements" of the deal in order to boost confidence, said a senior diplomat in Vienna, where the IAEA is based.&nbsp;

Iran said it is waiting for concrete measures from the EU nations before it decides whether the deal can be saved while threatening to restart its uranium enrichment programme at an "industrial level" if not.

The five signatories still committed to the agreement have said they want Iran to stay in the deal, with the European countries saying they would not rule out further talks with the Islamic Republic on an expanded text.

However, several Iranian officials warned that the Vienna meeting would be devoted to the existing agreement only, implying that there was no question of broadening the discussions.

US President Donald Trump has long trashed the deal with Iran saying it did not do enough to curtail Tehran's nuclear ambitions

Signatories of the Iran nuclear deal meet with the Islamic republic in Vienna on Friday in a bid to save the agreement two weeks after Washington's dramatic withdrawal. For the first time since the deal came into force in 2015, China, Russia, France, Britain and Germany will gather -- at Iran's request -- without the United States, which pulled out on May 8. US President Donald Trump has long trashed the deal with Iran -- concluded under his predecessor Barack Obama -- saying it did not do enough to curtail Tehran's nuclear ambitions. He also said it did not go far enough in restricting Iran's ballistic missile programme, or its intervention in regional conflicts from Yemen to Iraq and Syria. Since the US's pull out, the other signatories have since embarked on a diplomatic marathon to try to keep the agreement afloat. According to a report seen by AFP Thursday, an International Atomic Energy Agency report shows Iran is still abiding by the deal's key restrictions on its nuclear facilities in return for relief from damaging economic sanctions. The IAEA, however, is "encouraging (Iran) to go above and beyond the requirements" of the deal in order to boost confidence, said a senior diplomat in Vienna, where the IAEA is based. Iran said it is waiting for concrete measures from the EU nations before it decides whether the deal can be saved while threatening to restart its uranium enrichment programme at an "industrial level" if not. The five signatories still committed to the agreement have said they want Iran to stay in the deal, with the European countries saying they would not rule out further talks with the Islamic Republic on an expanded text. However, several Iranian officials warned that the Vienna meeting would be devoted to the existing agreement only, implying that there was no question of broadening the discussions.

Iran nuclear deal signatories meet for the first time since US pullout

A Pakistan embassy official has been reported missing in Austria along with some sensitive documents, reports said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The Pakistan&nbsp;Army official, resident of Sara-i-Kharboza, was appointed as a clerk at the Pakistan Embassy in Austria about five months back and was handed some sensitive documents by the defence ministry.&nbsp;

Media reports say that he was made an official in charge of some important and sensitive national affairs there, adding that &quot;it was very important duty, besides sensitive for country&#39;s sovereignty.&quot;

A case has been registered against him under Sections 109 &nbsp;(abetment) and 409 (criminal breach of trust by public servant, or by banker, merchant or agent) of the Pakistan Penal Code.

The official went missing on January 2, the First Investigation Report (FIR) stated. His wife has said that her husband left the embassy out of his free will and will &quot;return after five years.&quot;

The FIR further reads that it is highly likely that the missing official had &quot;become a tool in the hands of the enemy of the country.&quot;&nbsp;

He went missing on January 2, the FIR states. The wife of the missing official has said that her husband left the embassy out of his free will and will 'return after five years'

A Pakistan embassy official has been reported missing in Austria along with some sensitive documents, reports said on Wednesday. The Pakistan Army official, resident of Sara-i-Kharboza, was appointed as a clerk at the Pakistan Embassy in Austria about five months back and was handed some sensitive documents by the defence ministry. Media reports say that he was made an official in charge of some important and sensitive national affairs there, adding that "it was very important duty, besides sensitive for country's sovereignty." A case has been registered against him under Sections 109 (abetment) and 409 (criminal breach of trust by public servant, or by banker, merchant or agent) of the Pakistan Penal Code. The official went missing on January 2, the First Investigation Report (FIR) stated. His wife has said that her husband left the embassy out of his free will and will "return after five years." The FIR further reads that it is highly likely that the missing official had "become a tool in the hands of the enemy of the country."

Pakistan official goes missing in Austria with sensitive documents

The United Nations will host a new round of peace talks on Syria next week in Vienna, a UN statement said Wednesday, just days before Russia opens a conference on ending the war.

The January 25-26 talks will be followed by a peace congress in Russia&#39;s Black Sea resort of Sochi on January 29 and 30 aimed at finding a settlement to the nearly seven-year war.

The UN said that special envoy Staffan de Mistura &quot;expects that delegations will be coming to Vienna prepared for substantive engagement with him.&quot;

It added that &quot;any political initiative by international actors should be assessed by its ability to contribute to and support the United Nations-facilitated Geneva political process and the full implementation of resolution 2254,&quot; a roadmap for ending the conflict set out in 2015.

Syria&#39;s six-year war has claimed more than 340,000 lives, forced millions to flee their homes and left Syria in ruins.

The January 25-26 talks will be followed by a peace congress in Russia's Black Sea resort of Sochi on January 29 and 30 aimed at finding a settlement to the nearly seven-year war

The United Nations will host a new round of peace talks on Syria next week in Vienna, a UN statement said Wednesday, just days before Russia opens a conference on ending the war. The January 25-26 talks will be followed by a peace congress in Russia's Black Sea resort of Sochi on January 29 and 30 aimed at finding a settlement to the nearly seven-year war. The UN said that special envoy Staffan de Mistura "expects that delegations will be coming to Vienna prepared for substantive engagement with him." It added that "any political initiative by international actors should be assessed by its ability to contribute to and support the United Nations-facilitated Geneva political process and the full implementation of resolution 2254," a roadmap for ending the conflict set out in 2015. Syria's six-year war has claimed more than 340,000 lives, forced millions to flee their homes and left Syria in ruins.

UN to host new round of peace talks on Syria next week

A topless woman activist caused a furore on Thursday as she reached the red carpet of a high-society ball in Vienna.&nbsp;

The woman burst onto the red carpet of the Opera Ball -- being telecasted live on television -- to protest the attendance of the Ukrainian President&nbsp;Petro Poroshenko at the event.&nbsp;

She reached the ball topless with only the words &quot;Poroshenko get the fuk out&quot; written on her torso.

She was seen shouting the slogans and protesting vehemently even as she was dragged away by&nbsp;several Austrian policemen.&nbsp;

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko was one of several thousand guests at the Opera Ball.&nbsp;Some of the other high dignitaries who attended the ball were: Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, President Alexander Van der Bellen,&nbsp;Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, activist and former model Waris Dirie and American actress Melanie Griffith. Griffith was the guest of construction magnate and Opera Ball stalwart Richard Lugner. The 85-year-old Lugner is known for his wide network of friends. Some of his previous celebrity invitees have included Pamela Anderson, Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian.

Like every year,&nbsp; the Vienna State Opera opened with a dance by 150 &quot;debutants&quot;, the women in snow-white gowns and the men in white tie and tails. Making it an inclusive event, the organisers this year also gave their go-ahead to include&nbsp;performances of opera arias and ballet, with the participation of a couple with Down&#39;s Syndrome.

&nbsp;

She was protesting against the Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko's attendance at Opera Ball

A topless woman activist caused a furore on Thursday as she reached the red carpet of a high-society ball in Vienna. The woman burst onto the red carpet of the Opera Ball -- being telecasted live on television -- to protest the attendance of the Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko at the event. She reached the ball topless with only the words "Poroshenko get the fuk out" written on her torso. She was seen shouting the slogans and protesting vehemently even as she was dragged away by several Austrian policemen. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko was one of several thousand guests at the Opera Ball. Some of the other high dignitaries who attended the ball were: Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, President Alexander Van der Bellen, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, activist and former model Waris Dirie and American actress Melanie Griffith. Griffith was the guest of construction magnate and Opera Ball stalwart Richard Lugner. The 85-year-old Lugner is known for his wide network of friends. Some of his previous celebrity invitees have included Pamela Anderson, Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian. Like every year, the Vienna State Opera opened with a dance by 150 "debutants", the women in snow-white gowns and the men in white tie and tails. Making it an inclusive event, the organisers this year also gave their go-ahead to include performances of opera arias and ballet, with the participation of a couple with Down's Syndrome.

Topless woman protests at high society Vienna ball

Syria&#39;s opposition will attend fresh peace talks hosted by the United Nations in Vienna, its media office announced on Tuesday, but said dates were not yet confirmed.

In a written statement, the Syrian Negotiations Commission&#39;s press office said the opposition would take part in a new round of negotiations, which were &quot;the UN Geneva talks, but taking place in Vienna&quot;.

The dates for the talks were not yet confirmed, the SNC added.&nbsp;

The latest round of UN-backed Syria peace talks concluded in Geneva in mid-December with no notable progress towards ending the country&#39;s nearly seven-year war.

Talks were expected to resume on January 21 in Switzerland.

The UN declined to comment on the change of venue or confirm dates for the new round.&nbsp;

Several diplomatic tracks have thus far failed to resolve Syria&#39;s conflict.&nbsp;

Russia, a steadfast supporter of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, has announced it will host a peace congress on January 29 and 30 in the Black Sea resort of Sochi.

With regime ally Iran and rebel backer Turkey as co-hosts, the summit specifically aims to set up a new constitution for post-war Syria.

The SNC did not announce whether it was attending those talks, but dozens of Syrian rebel factions rejected the Sochi initiative in December.&nbsp;

Syria&#39;s government has said it would attend the Sochi talks.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The UN declined to comment on the change of venue or confirm dates for the new round.

Syria's opposition will attend fresh peace talks hosted by the United Nations in Vienna, its media office announced on Tuesday, but said dates were not yet confirmed. In a written statement, the Syrian Negotiations Commission's press office said the opposition would take part in a new round of negotiations, which were "the UN Geneva talks, but taking place in Vienna". The dates for the talks were not yet confirmed, the SNC added. The latest round of UN-backed Syria peace talks concluded in Geneva in mid-December with no notable progress towards ending the country's nearly seven-year war. Talks were expected to resume on January 21 in Switzerland. The UN declined to comment on the change of venue or confirm dates for the new round. Several diplomatic tracks have thus far failed to resolve Syria's conflict. Russia, a steadfast supporter of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, has announced it will host a peace congress on January 29 and 30 in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. With regime ally Iran and rebel backer Turkey as co-hosts, the summit specifically aims to set up a new constitution for post-war Syria. The SNC did not announce whether it was attending those talks, but dozens of Syrian rebel factions rejected the Sochi initiative in December. Syria's government has said it would attend the Sochi talks.

Syria opposition to attend new UN-backed talks in Vienna

An explosion took place at Austria&#39;s main gas pipeline hub at Baumgarten east of Vienna on Tuesday, leaving several people injured, police said.

&quot;An explosion occurred at 8:45 am (0745 GMT), followed by fire.&nbsp;

Things are under control but according to preliminary reports there are several people injured,&quot; police spokesman Edmund Tragschitz told AFP.

Things are said to be under control but several people have suffered injuries.

An explosion took place at Austria's main gas pipeline hub at Baumgarten east of Vienna on Tuesday, leaving several people injured, police said. "An explosion occurred at 8:45 am (0745 GMT), followed by fire. Things are under control but according to preliminary reports there are several people injured," police spokesman Edmund Tragschitz told AFP.

Explosion at Austrian gas hub, several hurt

On a wintry afternoon, tourists huddle around their guide outside Vienna&#39;s central train station. But instead of exploring glitzy palaces, Barbara will take them around night shelters and soup kitchens as part of a new initiative aimed at helping homeless people like herself get back on their feet.

Vienna is ranked one of the world&#39;s most liveable cities with an excellent social security system, but thousands of people nonetheless fall through the cracks.

Official data shows around 4,300 end up on the street every year, but the actual number is thought to be much higher.

It&#39;s hard to imagine that tour guide Barbara, with her flowing locks and cream suit, is included in that grim statistic.

Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014, the former gallery owner in her forties first lost her livelihood and then her flat while undergoing chemotherapy.

After several months sleeping rough, she managed to get a bed in a homeless shelter.

&quot;I&#39;m happy because my hair is long again and I&#39;m totally healthy,&quot; Barbara told her tour group.

&quot;I&#39;m confident that I&#39;ll soon have my own place again, not least because of this,&quot; she added, referring to her new job at Shades Tours.

Launched last year, the social start-up is part of a growing European trend that sees the needy hired as city guides as a way to help them reintegrate.

While they show tourists in Paris around famous landmarks, the Vienna concept goes a step further to peel off the stigma attached to homelessness.&nbsp;

&quot;I wanted (the tours) to be more educational,&quot; explained Shades Tours creator Perrine Schober, a 33-year-old tourism management graduate.

&quot;We (see) homelessness on a daily basis but we have no idea what it is actually about, so I guess that&#39;s the reason people look away instead of trying to help,&quot; the French-Austrian told AFP.

Unique insight

Shades Tours was initially aimed at Austrians, drawing hundreds of school children, social workers and companies in 2016, with a selection of tours costing 15 euros ($16) that range from a couple of hours to all day.&nbsp;

&quot;Our guides are in a unique position to explain Vienna&#39;s complex social system and its challenges. They provide children with an emotional lesson they can&#39;t get in a classroom,&quot; said Schober.

During the visits, people have the chance to ask questions and the homeless are generally keen to share their stories.

&quot;Ask anything you like, there is no taboo on the topic, we can speak frankly,&quot; Barbara told her group.

The organisation now employs three full-time guides, two of whom have already been able to move from their shelter into private housing.

Boosted by the success, Schober recently broadened the offering to include English-language tours for international tourists.

&quot;I wanted to get an insight into the life of homeless people because we encounter them without understanding what it is like,&quot; said Bulgarian Steliana Kokonova, 29.

Barbara, who declined to give her surname, switches effortlessly from German to English and French as she explains why the central station is a &quot;hotspot&quot; for the homeless.

&quot;It&#39;s warm, it&#39;s open 24 hours a day and you can be anonymous here,&quot; she tells the visitors after they enter the huge glass structure.

Multilingual social workers, recognisable by their red jackets, walk around the station handing out information to homeless people on where to get help.

&quot;What&#39;s the worst part about being homeless?&quot; asked one of the tour group.

The isolation, Barbara replied.

&quot;Nobody from my former life knows where I am now and I have no family,&quot; she said.

Magnet for foreign homeless

Vienna, a city of 1.7 million, has a solid network of public institutions and not-for-profit organisations helping those in need.

Barbara and her group brace icy winds to head to the so-called &quot;P7&quot; building -- the government branch that runs Vienna&#39;s homeless registry and provides sleeping quarters.

In winter around 700 beds are added to the 300 available all year round to prevent people from freezing to death, particularly in the current cold snap gripping the continent.

But it&#39;s not enough to meet the high demand, made worse because Vienna also draws the homeless from other European cities like Budapest where conditions are even tougher.

For two euros a day, you can sleep, eat, shower, and use the internet at the men-only VinziPort shelter, the last leg of Barbara&#39;s tour.

&quot;Everyone chips in. Food is provided by the kindergarten next door, hospitals and bakeries,&quot; says Schober.

At the end, participants thank Barbara for sharing her story, including Kokonova:

&quot;One major thing that will stay with me is that we now have more information about how to direct homeless people towards useful institutions.&quot;

(AFP)

It's a growing European trend, in which the needy are hired as city guides as a way to help them reintegrate

On a wintry afternoon, tourists huddle around their guide outside Vienna's central train station. But instead of exploring glitzy palaces, Barbara will take them around night shelters and soup kitchens as part of a new initiative aimed at helping homeless people like herself get back on their feet. Vienna is ranked one of the world's most liveable cities with an excellent social security system, but thousands of people nonetheless fall through the cracks. Official data shows around 4,300 end up on the street every year, but the actual number is thought to be much higher. It's hard to imagine that tour guide Barbara, with her flowing locks and cream suit, is included in that grim statistic. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014, the former gallery owner in her forties first lost her livelihood and then her flat while undergoing chemotherapy. After several months sleeping rough, she managed to get a bed in a homeless shelter. "I'm happy because my hair is long again and I'm totally healthy," Barbara told her tour group. "I'm confident that I'll soon have my own place again, not least because of this," she added, referring to her new job at Shades Tours. Launched last year, the social start-up is part of a growing European trend that sees the needy hired as city guides as a way to help them reintegrate. While they show tourists in Paris around famous landmarks, the Vienna concept goes a step further to peel off the stigma attached to homelessness. "I wanted (the tours) to be more educational," explained Shades Tours creator Perrine Schober, a 33-year-old tourism management graduate. "We (see) homelessness on a daily basis but we have no idea what it is actually about, so I guess that's the reason people look away instead of trying to help," the French-Austrian told AFP. Unique insight Shades Tours was initially aimed at Austrians, drawing hundreds of school children, social workers and companies in 2016, with a selection of tours costing 15 euros ($16) that range from a couple of hours to all day. "Our guides are in a unique position to explain Vienna's complex social system and its challenges. They provide children with an emotional lesson they can't get in a classroom," said Schober. During the visits, people have the chance to ask questions and the homeless are generally keen to share their stories. "Ask anything you like, there is no taboo on the topic, we can speak frankly," Barbara told her group. The organisation now employs three full-time guides, two of whom have already been able to move from their shelter into private housing. Boosted by the success, Schober recently broadened the offering to include English-language tours for international tourists. "I wanted to get an insight into the life of homeless people because we encounter them without understanding what it is like," said Bulgarian Steliana Kokonova, 29. Barbara, who declined to give her surname, switches effortlessly from German to English and French as she explains why the central station is a "hotspot" for the homeless. "It's warm, it's open 24 hours a day and you can be anonymous here," she tells the visitors after they enter the huge glass structure. Multilingual social workers, recognisable by their red jackets, walk around the station handing out information to homeless people on where to get help. "What's the worst part about being homeless?" asked one of the tour group. The isolation, Barbara replied. "Nobody from my former life knows where I am now and I have no family," she said. Magnet for foreign homeless Vienna, a city of 1.7 million, has a solid network of public institutions and not-for-profit organisations helping those in need. Barbara and her group brace icy winds to head to the so-called "P7" building -- the government branch that runs Vienna's homeless registry and provides sleeping quarters. In winter around 700 beds are added to the 300 available all year round to prevent people from freezing to death, particularly in the current cold snap gripping the continent. But it's not enough to meet the high demand, made worse because Vienna also draws the homeless from other European cities like Budapest where conditions are even tougher. For two euros a day, you can sleep, eat, shower, and use the internet at the men-only VinziPort shelter, the last leg of Barbara's tour. "Everyone chips in. Food is provided by the kindergarten next door, hospitals and bakeries," says Schober. At the end, participants thank Barbara for sharing her story, including Kokonova: "One major thing that will stay with me is that we now have more information about how to direct homeless people towards useful institutions." (AFP)

In Vienna, it's the homeless who're city guides

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