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Canadian Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, evacuated

The Belgian and German Consulates received similar packages.

By Ed Adamczyk
A Canadian Flag flies at half-mast in front of the Consulate General of Canada in New York City on October 23, 2014. NYPD dispatched additional security to the Canadian consulate in New York City as a precaution after a gunman shot and killed a Canadian soldier standing guard at a war memorial in the country's capital on October 22. UPI/John Angelillo
A Canadian Flag flies at half-mast in front of the Consulate General of Canada in New York City on October 23, 2014. NYPD dispatched additional security to the Canadian consulate in New York City as a precaution after a gunman shot and killed a Canadian soldier standing guard at a war memorial in the country's capital on October 22. UPI/John Angelillo | License Photo

ISTANBUL, Turkey, Oct. 24 (UPI) -- The Canadian Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, was evacuated Friday after a package of unidentified yellow powder was delivered.

A statement from Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority said a letter containing a "yellow substance was examined in line with regular procedures," adding one person at the Consulate had direct exposure to the package and six others had indirect exposure. An AFAD decontamination crew was sent to the Consulate.

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The Belgian and German Consulates in Istanbul also received similar packages and were evacuated. Decontamination crews arrive at those buildings as well.

Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Claude Rochon said all personnel at the Canadian Consulate were safe and accounted for.

The Canadian Embassy in Ankara, Turkey, closed early Friday because of previously scheduled shortened hours, and not because of a perceived threat.

The topic of better protection for Canadian missions abroad was part of assessments of heightened security Thursday in Ottawa, where a gunman regarded as an Islamist sympathizer shot and killed a soldier before entering the Canadian Parliament building.

"We will carry on all our missions at home and abroad in a steadfast, resolute and vigilant manner, and serve our nation and her people," said Canadian defense chief, in a statement.

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