French aircraft carrier not allowed to enter Turkey

The statement noted that Turkey contributed to concerned organizations in case ships brought to Turkey for disassembly contained asbestos or similar hazardous wastes and prevented the entrance of such ships.

The Clemenceau was evaluated within the same framework, the statement pointed out.

The statement said that concerned authorities had taken necessary measures to prevent the entrance.

The ship, which was disarmed in France in 1997, was to be disassembled by Spanish and Turkish companies after tenders.

The ship was stopped by French Naval Forces off Sicily en route to Turkey on Oct. 18, after hearing that "the tender was cancelled."

The French Defense Ministry claimed the tender was given to German and Greek companies saying that labor and working conditions in Turkey "did not comply with international standards" and "necessary environmental measures" had not been taken.

The Clemenceau, which was 265 meters in length, 62 meters in height and 33 thousand tons in weight, became operational in 1961. It was the first aircraft carrier in France.