The French government announced Thursday that it has closed its consulate in the Turkish city of Istanbul for security reasons, making it the fifth country to take this measure.
«The French consulate in Istanbul will be closed on February 2 and 3. For administrative matters, you can contact us by email,» the diplomatic legation said in a statement.
Previously, Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu criticized these measures and warned that they were part of a «psychological war» launched against Turkey after the United States warned of the threat of possible terrorist attacks.
Last January 30, the U.S. Embassy warned of possible attacks in retaliation for the burning of copies of the Koran in several European cities in connection with Ankara’s demands to allow Sweden and Finland to join NATO. In this regard, Washington pointed out as possible targets of these attacks churches, synagogues and diplomatic legations.
For the time being, the consulates of Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom have been temporarily closed in the city. However, the U.S. legation remains open despite the warnings.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
