Turkey mulls blast motives |
http://www.sina.com.cn 2003/11/19 12:43 Shanghai Daily |
Turkish officials were investigating claims that the al-Qaida terrorist network was responsible for the car bombings that devastated two Istanbul synagogues and killed 24 people, the prime minister said yesterday. Two Arabic-language newspapers received separate statements on Sunday claiming Osama bin Laden'ssgroupswas responsible for the bombings, which Turkish officials said were likely the work of suicide bombers who set off pickup trucks laden with explosives. Some analysts believe the attacks were meant as a warning to Turkey's Islamic-rooted government against continuing close relations with Israel and the West. Turkey, a predominantly Muslim nation which has long had a secular regime, is an ally of Israel and the United States and is NATO's only Muslim member. Tourism agencies expressed concern that the synagogue bombings could lead to a cancellation of bookings for the upcoming holiday season, particularly among Israeli tourists. Most Israelis choose to vacation in Istanbul, with its Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman heritage, or beach resorts along Turkey's Mediterranean coast. A drop in tourism could have a negative effect on the International Monetary Fund-backed recovery program. |
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