Thursday, 31 May 2007
Turkey seizes weapons in Syria-bound container from Iran
Turkish authorities seized weapons hidden among construction materials on a Syria-bound train from Iran after Kurdish guerrillas bombed and derailed the train, a prosecutor said Wednesday.
The cargo was discovered when authorities checked containers on the train, which was attacked by separatist Kurdish guerrillas on May 25 near the town of Genc in southeastern Bingol province, Prosecutor Ismail Sari told reporters.
The incident was being investigated, Sari said, adding that the bomb attack derailed seven of the train's cars, and authorities would also check the cargo on rest of the train, he said.
Earlier Wednesday, a government official said the cargo included machine guns and pistols. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media. The private Dogan news agency said the cargo included a rocket launch pad and 300 rockets as well as other weapons and ammunition.
Turkish authorities suspect Iran is using Turkey as a transit point to send arms to Lebanon's Hezbollah movement via Syria.
On Tuesday evening, Turkish authorities forced a Syrian plane flying from Iran to land in the southeastern city of Diyarbakir and searched it for weapons. No arms were found.
Larijani denies claims on confiscation
Secretary of Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Larijani on Wednesday rejected claims made by media on confiscation in Turkey of a shipment of weapons from Iran.
Larijani told IRNA the media reports on the issue are "incorrect."
In related developments, an informed source told IRNA Tuesday that certain regional circles, acting beyond governments' control, cannot damage amicable ties existing between Tehran and Ankara. Such moves and acts of disinformation are only aimed at tarnishing the existing friendly relations between the two neighboring states,' he added. The source further reiterated that despite such disinformation attempts, the two countries' relations at mutual, regional, and international levels are growing.
The New Anatolian
31 May 2007
