KEY POINTS:
Australians and New Zealanders travelling to Gallipoli for tomorrow's Anzac Day services have been put on notice of possible terrorist attacks.
Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued a warning last Friday saying there was a "high threat" of a terrorist attack at the commemorations and advising
visitors to exercise a high degree of caution.
A spokesperson for New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it had reviewed and re-issued its travel advisory that there was a "strong" poissibility of terror attacks in Turkey.
Mfat has highlighted its terror concerns, particularly in tourist areas and anywhere near the Iraq border.
"There is a strong likelihood of further terrorist activity in Istanbul, Ankara, in other major centres, and in tourist areas in Turkey," the advisory reads.
"Terrorist attacks have occurred in a number of places, including Istanbul, Izmir and Diyarbakir in recent months.
"Further attacks could well occur throughout Turkey."
People should take "sensible" precautions for personal safety in any areas frequented by large numbers of tourists.
"The Turkish authorities have put in place extensive measures to ensure the safety and security of New Zealanders attending the 2007 Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli.
"Visitors should at all times comply with the directions of the Turkish security authorities."
Explaining Australia's decision, Veterans' Affairs Minister Bruce Billson said the Gallipoli peninsula was not considered to be more of a target than any other area in Turkey, but urged everyone travelling there to exercise caution.
"We are encouraging all visitors to Turkey, anywhere in Turkey, to exercise a high degree of caution," Mr Billson told the Nine network.
"We are encouraging people that might be considering travelling to the border with Syria to reconsider the need to travel there.
"But in relation to visitors to the Gallipoli peninsula, there is no additional threat warning, no additional assessment of risk at the Gallipoli peninsula compared to anywhere else in Turkey," he said.
More than 10,000 people are expected to gather at the Gallipoli Peninsula to commemorate the fallen diggers.
Mr Billson said those travelling there need to be aware, cautious, and alert to information around them.
"There's a first class security arrangement in place for the Gallipoli peninsula and we have taken all necessary precautions given the general environment in Turkey," he said
"The Turkish authorities did an outstanding job and we are not anticipating any incident of concern regarding the Gallipoli commemoration this year."
- AAP / NZHERALD STAFF
