France closes missions in Turkey for security reasons

By Emin Avundukluoglu and Satuk Bugra Kutlugun

ANKARA

France closed its diplomatic missions in Turkey until further notice Wednesday due to unspecified security reasons.

Receptions planned for Thursday – Bastille Day, which marks the start of the French Revolution – were cancelled at the embassy in Ankara and consulates in Istanbul and Izmir, according to a statement on the embassy website.

"For security reasons, July 14 receptions planned in Ankara, Istanbul, and Izmir are cancelled,” the statement said. “We have informed the Turkish authorities of this decision and remain in close contact with them.

"The embassy of France in Ankara, as well as the consulate general in Istanbul, will be closed from Wednesday July 13… until further notice. We thank the French community in Turkey and all our guests for their understanding."

French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu spoke on the telephone Wednesday evening about the situation, according to Turkish diplomatic sources, speaking on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking with the media.

During the conversation, Ayrault reportedly told Cavusoglu about the security measures taken by France's missions and thanked his counterpart for Turkey’s assistance.

By Emin Avundukluoglu and Satuk Bugra Kutlugun

ANKARA

France closed its diplomatic missions in Turkey until further notice Wednesday due to unspecified security reasons.

During the conversation, Ayrault reportedly told Cavusoglu about the security measures taken by France's missions and thanked his counterpart for Turkey’s assistance.