Turkish protesters disrupt US-sponsored iftar meal

Turkish media and US officials say some 200 protesters denouncing Israel`s military operations in Gaza threw eggs and destroyed chairs and tables that were set for a Muslim fast-breaking dinner sponsored by the US Consulate.

Ankara: Turkish media and US officials say some 200 protesters denouncing Israel`s military operations in Gaza threw eggs and firecrackers and destroyed chairs and tables that were set for a Muslim fast-breaking dinner sponsored by the US Consulate. The state-run Anadolu Agency said seven people were later injured in fighting between some of the protesters and security officials employed by the municipality, which owned the tables and chairs.

The incident occurred late yesterday in the southeastern city of Diyarbakir as organisers were preparing to host the iftar, or Ramadan meal. John Espinoza, who heads the US Consulate in the nearby city of Adana, condemned the incident. He said the US would not allow "the acts of a few childish cowards to hurt the strong friendship" between the US and Turkey.