Turkish FM Gul: Egypt claims to own containers

"Egypt owns the weapons. We have started initiatives with the Egyptian government on the issue," said Gul speaking to reporters.

Istanbul Customs authorities on Thursday seized a radio-controlled missile and launcher as well as other weapons in two containers destined for Egypt from the Ukraine.

The weapons, including a number of rockets and warheads, were discovered when customs officials searched two containers at the port of Ambarli, some 35 kilometers from the city.

Tuzmen had noted on Thursday that the first ship’s captain had declared it was carrying spare parts. Officials became suspicious after noticing damage to numbers inscribed on the container, he said.

"According to international rules, full reports of what is inside the containers should be given. Although these ships are only trans-passing us, they pass through the Straits and we should take the necessary measures. Since there are no reports on the weapons inside the containers, our teams will open all packages in the containers," Tuzmen said.

Meanwhile, CNN-Turk reported yesterday that the missile’s range was some 35 kilometers.

Turkey has boosted security ahead of a NATO summit in Istanbul later this month, which U.S. President George W. Bush and other leaders are scheduled to attend.