National

Cdn consulate in Istanbul to reopen after officials say powder was chalk dust

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 28 Oct, 2014 10:53 AM

ANKARA, Turkey - The Canadian consulate in Istanbul will reopen Thursday after tests revealed yellow powder sent there last week was similar to chalk dust.

Canada's offices were one of five foreign outposts in Istanbul that received suspicious packages filled with powder on Friday, while the Hungarian consulate received one on Monday.

Though more than 30 staff from the consulates were sent to hospital as a precaution and some offices were evacuated, Turkish authorities now say the powder wasn't dangerous.

Turkish Health Ministry Undersecretary Eyup Gumus said Tuesday that the powder tested negative for biological and toxic agents.

A spokesperson for the Foreign Affairs department said the Canadian staff taken to hospital have been released and the consulate will reopen as usual on Thursday.

Turkish authorities are investigating, and no arrests have been made.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Gonzalo Could Make Landfall In Southeastern Newfoundland Early Sunday

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - The Canadian Hurricane Centre is warning that Gonzalo could still be hurricane strength by the time it reaches southeastern Newfoundland early Sunday.

Gonzalo Could Make Landfall In Southeastern Newfoundland Early Sunday

Philippe Couillard Says He Won't Back Down On Financial Reforms Despite Protests

Philippe Couillard told party members gathered for a meeting today in Trois-Rivieres not to be distracted by those opposed to the changes adopted by his Liberal government.

Philippe Couillard Says He Won't Back Down On Financial Reforms Despite Protests

PM Harper warns Canadians about spread of Ebola at polio award ceremony

TORONTO - Prime Minister Stephen Harper warned about the potential for the spread of Ebola at an award ceremony in Toronto today, saying that much like polio the disease must not be underestimated.

PM Harper warns Canadians about spread of Ebola at polio award ceremony

Tow Line To Russian Cargo Ship Snaps But Help At Hand, Crew Safe: Rescue Centre

OLD MASSETT, B.C. - The tow line attached to a disabled Russian cargo ship off the British Columbia coast has snapped, setting the ship adrift once again.

Tow Line To Russian Cargo Ship Snaps But Help At Hand, Crew Safe: Rescue Centre

Surprising Revelations in Justin Trudeau's New Memoir

Justin Trudeau's new memoir, Common Ground, contains a number of surprising revelations about the Liberal leader and his family that aren't generally known, despite a lifetime lived in the public eye.

Surprising Revelations in Justin Trudeau's New Memoir

Coast guard tethers to disabled Russian cargo ship off B.C. coast

OLD MASSETT, B.C. - Members of British Columbia's Haida Nation are breathing a little easier, hoping they have avoided an environmental "catastrophe," now that a Russian cargo ship carrying hundreds of tonnes of fuel is under tow.