Menu
21/11/2003
Turkey and Britain unite to fight terrorists
The UK and Turkish Foreign Ministers have united in their pledge not to give in to terrorists following the attacks on British interests in Turkey.
Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, backed by British Foreign Minister Jack Straw, said that the bombings would only reinforce global resolve to fight terrorism.
Turkish authorities are reported to have made a number of arrests following the attacks, but Mr Gul told reporters that no further details were available.
This morning news agency Reuters reported that a unit of al-Qaeda, the Abu Hafz al-Masri Brigades, the same militant Islamic group responsible for two bombings in Turkey last weekend, had claimed the two suicide car bombings in Istanbul.
The claim published on an Arabic website specifically mentioned targeting the "British Consul Roger Short" due to his "experience in combating Islam".
Career diplomat, 58-year-old Roger Short, the British Consul General, was one of the victims of the car bomb blast that demolished the British Consulate in Istanbul. A second blast damaged the office of the HSBC bank. In all 27 people are know to have been killed in the blasts and over 400 were injured.
Last night the Foreign Office extended its Travel Advice against all but the most essential travel for Istanbul to include other major cities in Turkey, until the situation is further clarified.
A spokesperson for the Foreign Office said: "We advise against all but the most essential travel to Istanbul and other major cities, until the situation becomes clearer. Until further notice, the British Consulate in Istanbul will not be able to provide the full range of services.
"There is a high threat from terrorism in Turkey. There have been a number of recent terrorist incidents, including major terrorist attacks in Istanbul on 15 and 20 November. We urge you to be vigilant in all parts of the country, and especially in the vicinity of potential terrorist targets."
The Foreign Office has set up an emergency contact number on 0207 008 0000 for anyone concerned about relatives who may have been caught up in the bombings in Istanbul.
(SP)
Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, backed by British Foreign Minister Jack Straw, said that the bombings would only reinforce global resolve to fight terrorism.
Turkish authorities are reported to have made a number of arrests following the attacks, but Mr Gul told reporters that no further details were available.
This morning news agency Reuters reported that a unit of al-Qaeda, the Abu Hafz al-Masri Brigades, the same militant Islamic group responsible for two bombings in Turkey last weekend, had claimed the two suicide car bombings in Istanbul.
The claim published on an Arabic website specifically mentioned targeting the "British Consul Roger Short" due to his "experience in combating Islam".
Career diplomat, 58-year-old Roger Short, the British Consul General, was one of the victims of the car bomb blast that demolished the British Consulate in Istanbul. A second blast damaged the office of the HSBC bank. In all 27 people are know to have been killed in the blasts and over 400 were injured.
Last night the Foreign Office extended its Travel Advice against all but the most essential travel for Istanbul to include other major cities in Turkey, until the situation is further clarified.
A spokesperson for the Foreign Office said: "We advise against all but the most essential travel to Istanbul and other major cities, until the situation becomes clearer. Until further notice, the British Consulate in Istanbul will not be able to provide the full range of services.
"There is a high threat from terrorism in Turkey. There have been a number of recent terrorist incidents, including major terrorist attacks in Istanbul on 15 and 20 November. We urge you to be vigilant in all parts of the country, and especially in the vicinity of potential terrorist targets."
The Foreign Office has set up an emergency contact number on 0207 008 0000 for anyone concerned about relatives who may have been caught up in the bombings in Istanbul.
(SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 January 2014
21-Year-Old Arrested At Stansted On Terrorism Offences
Police have arrested a man at Stansted airport on suspicion of terrorism offences. The 21-year-old was detained by Counter Terrorism Command officers as he returned to the UK from Istanbul, Turkey, via Stuttgart, Germany. He is suspected of involvement in the commission, preparation and instigation of terrorism, Scotland Yard have said.
21-Year-Old Arrested At Stansted On Terrorism Offences
Police have arrested a man at Stansted airport on suspicion of terrorism offences. The 21-year-old was detained by Counter Terrorism Command officers as he returned to the UK from Istanbul, Turkey, via Stuttgart, Germany. He is suspected of involvement in the commission, preparation and instigation of terrorism, Scotland Yard have said.
21 November 2003
Straw tours site of Istanbul Consulate bombing
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has warned that "everywhere" was a target for the "ruthless fanatics" behind the recent bombings in Turkey.
Straw tours site of Istanbul Consulate bombing
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has warned that "everywhere" was a target for the "ruthless fanatics" behind the recent bombings in Turkey.
13 August 2003
BA suspends flights to Saudi Arabia over 'security concerns'
British Airways has announced that it is to suspend all flights to Saudi Arabia "due to heightened security concerns in the region". BA said that it would suspend flights until further notice follows discussions earlier today between the airline and the British government's Department for Transport.
BA suspends flights to Saudi Arabia over 'security concerns'
British Airways has announced that it is to suspend all flights to Saudi Arabia "due to heightened security concerns in the region". BA said that it would suspend flights until further notice follows discussions earlier today between the airline and the British government's Department for Transport.
20 November 2003
Foreign Secretary condemns Istanbul bombings
British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has condemned the bomb blasts this morning in Istanbul as "a clearly appalling act of terrorism". Reports from Turkey at lunchtime today indicated that at least 17 people have been killed in the blasts and over 400 were injured in the attacks on the HSBC bank and the British Consulate.
Foreign Secretary condemns Istanbul bombings
British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has condemned the bomb blasts this morning in Istanbul as "a clearly appalling act of terrorism". Reports from Turkey at lunchtime today indicated that at least 17 people have been killed in the blasts and over 400 were injured in the attacks on the HSBC bank and the British Consulate.
08 October 2003
England fans warned to stay away from Istanbul clash
The Foreign Office has today strongly advised England fans not to travel to this weekend's Euro 2004 qualifier against Turkey in Istanbul. The advice follows up on Uefa's decision to ban England fans from travelling to Turkey after serious clashes involving both sets of fans at the first leg tie in Sunderland last April.
England fans warned to stay away from Istanbul clash
The Foreign Office has today strongly advised England fans not to travel to this weekend's Euro 2004 qualifier against Turkey in Istanbul. The advice follows up on Uefa's decision to ban England fans from travelling to Turkey after serious clashes involving both sets of fans at the first leg tie in Sunderland last April.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
