The following statement regarding the situation in Turkey was issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs on 19 March to the media:
Irish citizens travelling to Turkey in the coming weeks should be aware that tensions have increased following the arrest of the Kurdistan Workers Party – PKK – leader Abdullah Oçalan and the recently issued threats by the PKK against tourists visiting Turkey.
As a consequence of this, the Department of Foreign Affairs wishes to advise citizens intending to travel to Turkey that they should be aware of the increased level of risk in visiting the country. Visitors should be vigilant at all times and avoid public gatherings or protests, follow the advice of their tour operators and that of travel representatives. The Department notes that the Turkish authorities attach a high priority to ensuring the safety of visitors to Turkey.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and the Irish Embassy in Ankara will continue to monitor the situation closely and advise citizens accordingly.
The Department has continued and will continue to keep the situation under close review. Its current advice remains as in the statement.