Cyprus-Forum.com

[elko]

It has been just announced by Greece that a Turkish Airline en route from Albanbia to Istanbul has been hijacked over Greek air space and just landed in Italy. Apparently it was done in protest of the Pope and his visit to Turkey.
ismet

[scotslad]

Turkish plane seized in hijacking

A Turkish airliner flying from Tirana to Istanbul has been hijacked and flown to Brindisi in southern Italy, media in Turkey and Greece report.
It sent out an SOS twice in Greek airspace, and both Greece and Italy scrambled fighter jets to escort it before it landed in Brindisi.

The Turkish Airlines plane is carrying at least 107 passengers.

Unconfirmed reports say there are two hijackers and they are protesting about the Pope's planned visit to Turkey.

According to Turkey's private television channel NTV, the two hijackers, who oppose Pope Benedict's visit scheduled for November, are ready to surrender.

A Greek defence official who speak to Reuters said the plane had entered Greek air space at 1758 (1458 GMT) and four Greek fighters took off to escort it.

The Italian air force in turn sent up two F-16s to intercept the plane and reportedly force it to land in Brindisi.

[VEX8]

Is it true that the Italian Air Force has had 'unique' reverse thrusters fitted to their F-16's for when air combat seems likely?

Am i allowed to say that or am i yet again denigrating a 'a serious argument' ?

[elko]

the latest news is that the passengers are released and probably the hijackers have surrendered.
Now it is understood that the two hijackers who are Christian Turks were protesting at having to do army service. apparently they were conscientious objectors but nobody listened.
ismet

[Sotos]

They did not want to serve in the army because of conscience objections but their conscience didn't object in hijacking a plane? None of this makes sense. I think they are hiding something.

[orokliniservices]

they landed

[rawk]

Christiam Turks objecting to the Pope visiting Turkey flying a hijacked plane to Italy?

I don't believe this either, someone just wants a cheap flight.

Sounds like the news that the Irish boat people have finally reached Vietnam!

Or intrepid famous Cypriot explorer has discovered the East Pole?

Rawk

[ukofamnesia]

[Now it is understood that the two hijackers who are Christian Turks were protesting at having to do army service. apparently they were conscientious objectors but nobody listened.
quote]

Nice to know it was FREEDOM FIGHTERS this time and not those pesky TERRORISTS again![/quote]