Austria frees Russian spy suspect - RIA

MOSCOW, June 21 (Reuters) Austria has freed a Russian space agency official whom it had detained on suspicion of spying, RIA Novosti reported today, citing a source in the Russian embassy in Vienna.

The Russian was arrested last week in or near the central Austrian city of Linz on suspicion of espionage, prompting a protest from Moscow. He was covered by diplomatic immunity.

The embassy source said the Russian would soon fly to Moscow, RIA reported.

Austrian media have named the Russian as Vladimir Vozhzhov.

An Austrian air force officer who was also arrested on suspicion on espionage remained in custody.

Russia said the Russian was a member of an official delegation taking part in a session of the UN space committee in Vienna. It described his arrest as ''an unfriendly step'' that harmed bilateral relations.

REUTERS SYU KP1714