The National Security Agency monitored the phone conversations of 35
world leaders after being given the numbers by an official in another US
government department, according to a classified document provided by
whistleblower Edward Snowden.
The confidential memo reveals that the NSA encourages senior
officials in its "customer" departments, such the White House, State and
the Pentagon, to share their "Rolodexes" so the agency can add the
phone numbers of leading foreign politicians to their surveillance
systems.
The document notes that one unnamed US official handed over 200
numbers, including those of the 35 world leaders, none of whom is named.
These were immediately "tasked" for monitoring by the NSA.
The revelation is set to add to mounting diplomatic tensions between
the US and its allies, after the German chancellor Angela Merkel on
Wednesday accused the US of tapping her mobile phone.
LINK
world leaders after being given the numbers by an official in another US
government department, according to a classified document provided by
whistleblower Edward Snowden.
The confidential memo reveals that the NSA encourages senior
officials in its "customer" departments, such the White House, State and
the Pentagon, to share their "Rolodexes" so the agency can add the
phone numbers of leading foreign politicians to their surveillance
systems.
The document notes that one unnamed US official handed over 200
numbers, including those of the 35 world leaders, none of whom is named.
These were immediately "tasked" for monitoring by the NSA.
The revelation is set to add to mounting diplomatic tensions between
the US and its allies, after the German chancellor Angela Merkel on
Wednesday accused the US of tapping her mobile phone.
LINK
