ANKARA - Security Deputy Director General and Spokesman Ramazan Er said on Friday that the investigation of the police into the attack on Masonic lodge continued and that there were good developments about the investigation.
Er noted that developments in Kongregel-PKK terrorist organization were also closely monitored.
Replying to questions of journalists in the news conference about the attack on Masonic lodge, Er said that Istanbul Security Directorate carried out a very detailed study about the issue. Er recalled that Istanbul Security Directorate asked for two-day permission from the press for the safety of the investigation, adding ''there are good developments regarding the investigation. Please wait for some time,'' said Er. When asked if the terrorists were trained in Afghanistan or not, Er said that ''it is correct that they went abroad.''
Upon a question about the division within the terrorist organization Kongregel-PKK, Er said that the terrorist organization held meetings following the adoption of the reassociation law and division started to be seen in the organization. ''We closely monitor these developments and those in north of Iraq,'' said Er.
When a reporter recalled that Al Qaida terrorist organization claimed responsibility for the attack launched on Masonic lodge, Er stated that ''you know it also claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack that took place in Spain. But please pay attention to the fact that they announced the number of persons killed in the attack in Istanbul as three.''
(Öª-AÖ) 12.03.2004