Australia is monitoring what appears to be an unfolding military coup in Turkey and top priority remains the safety of Australian citizens, the government says.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said she had spoken with Ambassador James Larsen in Turkey to assess what was happening in the highly fluid situation.
“Our priority is the safety of Australian citizens in Turkey,” she said.
“Australians in Turkey should be vigilant, monitor media, follow the direction of local authorities and advise friends and family in Australia that they are safe.”
Ms Bishop said travel advice for Turkey had been updated to reflect the unfolding developments although the overall level of advice had not changed.
For Turkey generally, the advice is to exercise a high degree of caution and to reconsider travelling to the capital Ankara or to Istanbul.
Ms Bishop said those in Australia concerned about friends of family in Turkey should first try to contact them directly.
If that didn’t work and there were still concerns, people could call the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 24-hour Consular Emergency still Centre on 1 300 555 135, or, if calling from overseas +61 2 6261 3305.
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