Bomb blasts before Blair lands in Turkey

[Gregz]

The Guardian

Four small bombs targeted branches of the British bank HSBC in Ankara and Istanbul last night - hours before Tony Blair was scheduled to arrive in Turkey for a rapid summit.
There were no casualties from the percussion bombs, though one smashed windows of a bank branch in Ankara after detonating at around 10.30pm local time, according to the state-run Anatolian news agency.

There was also an explosion in front of another branch in the city, local police said.

Two others inflicted minor damage on HSBC offices in Istanbul, the scene of coordinated attacks against British interests last November that left 30 people dead.

"We understand no one has been injured," a Foreign Office spokesman said. "The local authorities are launching an investigation."

Percussion bombs, often used by militants in attacks in Turkey, generally produce a loud bang but little damage.

The November attacks on HSBC and the British consulate sent a warning that UK commercial operations the world over were at risk and prompted a review of security at British embassies.

Downing Street could not say last night whether the bombs would affect the prime minister's itinerary in Turkey.

"We will monitor the situation closely," a spokeswoman said. Mr Blair is due in Ankara for a six-hour visit to convey his support for Turkey's bid to join the EU and to discuss wider regional issues such as Cyprus, Iraq and the Middle East.

Earlier this month Turkey said it had foiled a planned terrorist attack on Nato leaders, including George Bush, at a summit in June.

Officials said 16 supposed members of Ansar al-Islam, a group affiliated with al-Qaida, had been arrested after a year-long surveillance operation.

Around 70 people have been indicted in connection with the November attacks, at least one of whom reportedly claimed to have been trained by al-Qaida in Afghanistan.

[Marcelle]

Surprise, surprise...
They have proven that no country is immune to their hatred.


Earlier this month Turkey said it had foiled a planned terrorist attack on Nato leaders, including George Bush, at a summit in June

Of course they did!!!...Viva~Turce!

[Marcelle]

Originally posted by C-Force
Bomb Blasts Before Blair
Bomb Blasts Before Blair
Bomb Blasts Before Blair

try saying that three times fast.

I cannot...but, I bet Voltaire can
slap me V, a good one right here!

[Nathalie2004]

Originally posted by Marcelle
Surprise, surprise...
They have proven that no country is immune to their hatred.


Earlier this month Turkey said it had foiled a planned terrorist attack on Nato leaders, including George Bush, at a summit in June

Of course they did!!!...Viva~Turce!

Do you think peoples attitude toward Australian's in Turkey has changed since the Australian Government supported George Bush's invasion of Iraq? I am of Russian origin but I am an Australian citizen. I am thinking of accepting a position in Izmir. Do you think my Nationality will affect me in any way? I don't support my Government's decision in any way but I don't really know anything about Turkish opinions on this subject.

If you are not living in Turkey; sorry!

Nathalie:-)

[limey_defence]

Attacking banks now are they, see, we all knew they hated Jews.

[Marcelle]

Originally posted by Nathalie2004


Do you think peoples attitude toward Australian's in Turkey has changed since the Australian Government supported George Bush's invasion of Iraq? I am of Russian origin but I am an Australian citizen. I am thinking of accepting a position in Izmir. Do you think my Nationality will affect me in any way? I don't support my Government's decision in any way but I don't really know anything about Turkish opinions on this subject.

If you are not living in Turkey; sorry!

Nathalie:-)

Merhaba Nathalie,
I am not Turkish. My fiance and a large handful of wonderful friends are Turkish.
I am American right-winger Bush supporter and mod on Turkey.com.
Difference between Turks and the rest of the world is that they are the upmost hospitable and accepting people. They are very clear headed and intelligent, are willing and capable to look at things from different angles. They put up a good fight, but they do not fight with jagged swords or mouths.
I am a liitle biased cause Turkey has given me a wonderful man...and friends
Well, I am utterly jealous....go to Izmir and enjoy the Turks
Ciao~paz
Marcelle

[Kubik]

Nata:
Being an Australian citizen you must know your history, especially about the Aussie forces that participated in the battle of Dardanelles and Gallipoli where tens of thousands British and ANZAC soldiers and about thrice as much Turkish soldiers died nearly nine decades ago. Yet, after such a harsh battle, near the battlefield there now stands a memorial on which written:

"Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives...
You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country.
Therefore, rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side, here in this country of ours.
You, the mothers, who sent their sons from far away countries... Wipe away your tears.
Your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace.
After having lost their lives on this land, they have
become our sons as well."
M. KEMAL ATATURK, 1934
(The founder of Turkish Republic)
Source: http://www.anzacday.biz/

Now you may see that Australia's supporting Bush is a current political event only and has nothing to do with hospitality you'd enjoy from the people in Izmir. It's a nice city, I've been there before. And, oh, the weather there is even warmer than the people.
Cheers