The Israeli government's National Security Council Counter-Terrorism Bureau has warned Israelis not to travel to Turkey. The statement said, "Israelis due to leave for Turkey should - at this stage - refrain from travelling until the situation becomes clear."

The statement noted, ""In response to the events surrounding the protest flotilla, there are growing protests by the government and public in Turkey. At this stage, relatively quiet demonstrations are taking place around the Israeli Consulate General in Istanbul and the Israeli Embassy in Ankara. This delicate state of affairs is liable to deteriorate into violent outbreaks against Israelis in Turkey."

The Counter-Terrorism Bureau's recommendation for Israelis already in Turkey said, "Israelis currently in Turkey should remain in their places of residence, avoid city centers and sites in which demonstrations are being held, and monitor developments out of concern that the situation could worsen."

Even before the travel recommendations were issued, travel agents reported that many Israelis were cancelling their vacations in Turkey."

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on May 31, 2010

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