Gridling named Austria anti-terrorism head

THE HAGUE, Netherlands, Feb. 7 (UPI) -- A top Austrian government official has announced a new director of the Federal Office for the protection of the Constitution and Anti-terrorism in Austria.

Austrian Minister of Interior Gunther Platter announced the appointment of Peter Gridling to the BVT post. Gridling is the current head of the terrorism unit at the European Police Office, or Europol.

"It is a pleasure to see an employee of Europol making such a prominent career move," Max-Peter Ratzel, Europol director, said in a statement. "Not only does this reflect the caliber of Mr. Gridling's experience and profile but also the high level of work being done at Europol.

"I regard this appointment as an honor and one which reflects a lot of trust in Mr. Gridling's abilities both up to the present point in time and also for what I am sure will be a rewarding future career at BVT. Furthermore, the Austrian Minister of Interior clearly acknowledges and appreciates the experience gained by Mr. Gridling when working abroad in an international organization."

Gridling was formerly the head of the state police service in the Ministry of Interior in Austria and later the head of the Task Force Combating Terrorism in the Austrian Interior Ministry, Europol reported.