New Zealand warns of possible terrorist attacks in Turkey

Apr 23, 2007, 23:35 GMT

Wellington - New Zealand's foreign ministry warned Tuesday of a 'strong likelihood' of terrorist attacks in Turkey as thousands of tourists head to Gallipoli to mark ANZAC Day on Wednesday.

ANZAC Day commemorates the first major action of World War I for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps which launched an ill-fated assault on the Gallipoli Peninsula on April 25, 1915.

The assault was intended to give the British navy command of the Turkish-held Dardanelles, but turned into a long-drawn out disaster, ending eight months later at a cost of 2,721 New Zealand dead and more than 4,750 wounded.

Historians have described it as the then-British colony's first test of nationhood and its coming of age.

April 25 is remembered as ANZAC Day throughout the world and thousands of New Zealanders and Australians go to Gallipoli for commemorations.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said Turkish authorities had put in place extensive measures to ensure the safety and security of visitors to Gallipoli.

But it said there was a strong likelihood of terrorist activity in tourist areas, including Istanbul and Ankara, following attacks in recent months and it advised against non-essential travel to areas close to the border with Iraq.