France closes missions in Ankara, Istanbul on security concerns

France has closed its embassy in the Turkish capital Ankara and its consulate general in Istanbul until further notice due to security concerns, the embassy said in a statement on Wednesday. "The embassy of France in Ankara, as well as the consulate general in Istanbul will be closed from Wednesday July 13, 1 p.m. (1000 GMT), until further notice," it said. The consulate general in Istanbul had earlier said that information pointed to a "serious threat" against plans to celebrate the July 14 National Day.