(ANSAmed) - ISTANBUL, FEBRUARY 2 - The Turkish foreign
ministry has summoned the ambassadors in Turkey of nine
countries, including western ones that over the past few days
have closed their consulates in Istanbul for security reasons
over fears of possible attacks in response to demonstrations in
northern Europe during which copies of the Koran were burnt,
Anadolu news agency reported, without specifying the nationality
of diplomats.
Last weekend, the US embassy in Turkey warned citizens over possible attacks against Westerners following Koran-burning protests in some European cities. Over the following days, the British, Dutch, German and French consulates in Istanbul temporarily closed to the public citing security concerns.
The Italian consulate in Istanbul closed on Thursday, without specifying the reasons behind the decision. Ankara has criticized the choice to keep diplomatic missions closed and Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu spoke about a "psychological war" against Turkey while Omer Celik, spokesman of the AKP ruling party of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, slammed as "irresponsible" the announcements published by embassies concerning possible attacks after the protests. (ANSAmed).
Last weekend, the US embassy in Turkey warned citizens over possible attacks against Westerners following Koran-burning protests in some European cities. Over the following days, the British, Dutch, German and French consulates in Istanbul temporarily closed to the public citing security concerns.
The Italian consulate in Istanbul closed on Thursday, without specifying the reasons behind the decision. Ankara has criticized the choice to keep diplomatic missions closed and Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu spoke about a "psychological war" against Turkey while Omer Celik, spokesman of the AKP ruling party of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, slammed as "irresponsible" the announcements published by embassies concerning possible attacks after the protests. (ANSAmed).
