UPDATE - Australia: Packages at consulates being investigated

UPDATES WITH COMMENTS FROM TURKISH DIPLOMAT

By Recep Sakar

SYDNEY/MELBOURNE (AA) - Australian police are investigating after suspicious packages were found at several foreign consulates across Melbourne and the capital Canberra, the Australian Broadcasting Company reported Wednesday.

Emergency workers went to the Melbourne consulates of the U.S., Greece, France, Italy, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Spain, South Korea, and Switzerland, said ABC.

An incident at the South Melbourne building where the Turkish Consulate is located is also under investigation.

Police took action two days after the Argentinian Consulate in Sydney was sent three bags containing asbestos and fiberglass, ABC said.

"The packages are being examined by attending emergency services," a spokeswoman for the Australian Federal Police said, quoted by ABC.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency about the incident, deputy consul general of Turkey in Melbourne said a package was delivered to the consulate with a "warning sign."

Osman Ilhan Sener said the package wrote: "Sample. Do not open. Very dangerous material. Use a mask and approach with caution."

Sener said the package was handed to police, and there was nothing to worry about for the time being.

Police are investigating who sent the packages and why, he added.