Fears of Anzac terror attack

2007-04-24 10:44

Wellington - Australia and New Zealand warned their nationals on Tuesday of possible terrorist attacks on tourists in Turkey as Australians and New Zealanders converge on Turkey's Gallipoli Peninsula to mark a 1915 battle.

Anzac Day, April 25, commemorates the day in 1915 when a British-led force, including Australian and New Zealand troops, stormed ashore on Gallipoli Peninsula to be met by a powerful Turkish army - and was eventually forced to retreat with the loss of thousands of men.

"There is a strong likelihood of ... terrorist activity in Istanbul, Ankara, in other major centres, and in tourist areas in Turkey," the New Zealand Foreign Ministry travel advisory warned on Tuesday ahead of the Anzac Day services.

"Further attacks could well occur throughout Turkey."

In a separate warning, Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said there was a high threat of a terrorist attack in Turkey between April and May.

Australian Prime Minister John Howard told Australian Broadcasting Corp radio it was up to visitors to make their own judgments based on the advice, adding that he would be happy for his children to visit the historic site.

Thousands of people, many of them young, converge on the area at this time each year to attend commemoration services organised by Turkish, New Zealand and Australian authorities.

"Turkish authorities have put in place extensive measures to ensure the safety and security of New Zealanders attending the 2007 Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli," the New Zealand warning said.

"Visitors should at all times comply with the directions of the Turkish security authorities," it said, adding people should take "sensible" precautions for personal safety in areas frequented by large numbers of tourists.

- AP