Vienna - Motorists often underestimate the effects of allergic symptoms which have the same effect as dozing behind the wheel and drinking alcohol, said the Austrian automobile association (OeAMTC).

Swollen eyes impair vision and the eyes are also closed during sneezing attacks. At a speed of 50 km/h the driver would be driving "blind" for about 28 metres.

International studies have found that allergy sufferers have an up to 30 per cent higher risk of causing an accident, the OeAMTC points out.

Vienna - Two international military observers were released in Georgia on Tuesday after being detained by authorities from the breakaway South Ossetia province, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) said.

The OSCE observers were detained south of the internal boundary between Georgia proper and South Ossetia near the village of Nikozi. The Hungarian and Turkish officers were released after two-and-a-half hours.

Salzburg, Austria  - Former PSV Eindhoven coach Huub Stevens is to take charge of Austrian league leaders Red Bull Salzburg from July, the club said Tuesday.

Stevens, 55, has signed a two-year contract and will succeed compatriot Co Adriaanse who is not extending his contract at the club.

Stevens has twice won the UEFA Cup, with PSV Eindhoven in 1978 and Germany's Schalke 04 in 1997.

Vienna - Dropping by 1.86 dollars Monday, the price for oil produced by the Organization of the Petroleu

Vienna - Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger on Monday criticized Germany and three other European Union countries for boycotting a United Nations conference on racism in Geneva.

The decision by Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Poland not to participate was "not a sign of strength" for the EU, Spindelegger said on Austria's ORF radio.

Vienna - The pric