ANKARA - Irish Ambassador to Turkey Sean Whelan passed away on Sunday, Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Releasing a statement, the ministry said that after a ceremony was held at Ankara's Esenboga Airport, the body of Whelan would be sent to his country by a Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) plane on October 12th under the constructions of Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer.
Pointing out that Whelan contributed to improvement of bilateral relations between Turkey and Ireland during his term in office in Turkey, it noted that Whelan was a distinguished person due to his great experience in diplomacy.
It added that Turkey offered its condolences to relatives of Whelan, Ireland and personnel in Irish Embassy in Ankara.
(EÖ-BRC) 10.10.2004