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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.

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