ISTANBUL - Istanbul Governor Muammer Guler has said that security forces investigating Tuesday's suicide attack on the Free and Accepted Masons Grand Lodge Association in Kartal district of Istanbul, could not find out any connection of a terrorist organization with the attack so far.
After attending a panel discussion organized by the Istanbul Bar on ''Rule of Law and Judicial Reform'', Guler said, ''it was proven that one of the guns found in the scene of the attack had been used in murder of dentist Yasef Kahya last year. We have concentrated on this event.''
Recalling that more than 10 people were detained in connection with the bomb attack, Guler noted, ''security forces could not find out any connection of a terrorist organization with the attack so far. However, the investigation has been continuing.''
Upon a question, Guler said, ''it was revealed that those who staged the attack, had been in Chechnya once. After their return to Turkey, they were questioned by security forces.''
Two suicide bombers struck at the association building on March 9. One killed himself while the other failed to set off his explosives. In the attack, a person was killed and several others were injured.
(UK-MS) 14.03.2004