State Department Rebuts FBI Claim of Foreign Spies Posing as Reporters

The State Department on Friday dismissed an FBI assertion that foreign governments were planting spies in the building who pose as reporters.

The department also told reporters they would be stripped of their access to the building if found by guards above the second floor without a government escort.

“During working hours, you are allowed to go to the cafeteria. But any appointments, any visits, any discussions, any time you need to go above the second floor, you’re supposed to be escorted,” department spokesman Richard Boucher said.

The press office, the briefing room and a room where reporters can work are on the second floor and can be reached only by building pass. Guards are posted at the entrances on the first floor and patrol all areas of the building.

Testifying on Thursday before the House International Relations Committee on security lapses, Timothy Bereznay, an FBI section chief, said the FBI knew of spies who used press credentials to get into and around the State Department.

“If asked, the FBI would be willing to identify to the State Department permanent media badge holders identified as hostile intelligence officers so that their access could be restricted or their visits monitored,” Bereznay said.

Boucher said the State Department had no information “that any members of the foreign press are utilizing the media as cover for intelligence activities at the State Department.”

Secretary of State Madeleine Albright appeared taken by surprise by Bereznay’s testimony. She said she was trying to tighten security and that “obviously, we don’t want spies posing as journalists.”

Boucher also dismissed as without foundation a report last week that Israel was secretly tapping State Department telephones.