- High security at Gallipoli -
25.04.2003 12:19:19
Thousands of Australians will gather amid unprecedented security at ANZAC Cove today to honour the Gallipoli fallen in the shadow of the Iraq conflict and the ongoing war on terror.
Australians will be forced to undergo tough security screening to enter the ceremonies, with personal searches and bans on large backpacks ordered by Turkish authorities.
People have been ordered to expect long delays entering ANZAC Cove for the dawn service, which in recent years has attracted crowds of up to 16,000 people.
Turkish travel agents have reported a dramatic falloff in bookings this year amid fears of retaliatory terror attacks sparked by Australias support for the war on Iraq.
Newspapers have said Turkeys security agency had also issued warnings of possible attacks against Westerners after 35 specially-trained terrorists moved across the border from northern Iraq into Turkey.
Australian authorities, including ASIO, are closely monitoring intelligence reports, but the Federal Government has stopped short of warning travellers off the annual ANZAC Day pilgrimage.
Prime Minister Mr John Howard said yesterday people had to keep a sense of proportion about the terror threat.
“We are living in a heightened security alert atmosphere, but on the other hand we want to enjoy our daily lives,” Mr Howard said.
Mr Howard said he hoped ANZAC Day celebrations this year carried a special meaning because of the thousands of Australian service men and women overseas in Iraq and East Timor.
Treasurer Mr Peter Costello, representing Australia at the ANZAC Cove ceremonies, said the Government was confident of the security measures in place, which included his own close protection detail of police.
“Weve been working closely with them in relation to the security precautions which will be taken,” Mr Costello said.
“Weve got our own security people who are here and they are co-operating fully with the Turkish authorities.”
Mr Costello, who will address todays dawn service, yesterday addressed a ceremony at the Turkish International Memorial at Gallipoli and said the campaign of 1915 had been the furnace where Australias relationship with Turkey was forged.
“The qualities these men displayed courage, innovation, strength in the face of adversity, and most of all respect for each other are qualities which have served as an inspiration for our nations ever since,” he said.
Meanwhile, Turkeys ambassador in Canberra, Mr Tansu Okandan, lashed out at the warnings.
“Why should there be a high degree of caution it is completely safe and secure,” he said
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by The Border Mail
http://www.bordermail.com.au
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