Scott Morrison says Turkish president’s coffins comment ‘deeply offensive’

Diplomatic ties between Canberra and Ankara are souring, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erodgan airing excerpts of the Christchurch massacre video at a rally and branding the Gallipoli campaign as anti-Muslim.

Ignoring widespread criticism, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday again showed excerpts of a video taken by the attacker who killed 50 people in mosques in New Zealand, to denounce what he called rising hatred and prejudice against Islam.

Speaking at a campaign rally in the northern town of Eregli, Erdogan also criticised New Zealand and Australia for sending troops to Turkey in the World War I Gallipoli campaign, claiming their motive was anti-Islam-oriented.

He called on New Zealand to amend its laws to ensure that the attacker is severely punished.

“What business did you have here? We had no issues with you, why did you come all the way over here?” Erdogan said. “The only reason: We’re Muslim, and they’re Christian.”

Scott Morrison says Australia is reviewing its travel advice to Turkey. Picture: Kym Smith

Diplomatic relations between Turkey and the Anzac nations are straining, with Australia set to review its travel advice for Turkey, potentially impacting the travel plans of Australians planning to attend Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli.

Thousands head to the Anzac Commemoration Site there every year on April 25, however Australia is furious with the Turkish government after President Erdogan declared Australians with anti-Muslim views would be sent home in coffins like their grandfathers.

The president was referencing the WWI battle at Gallipoli, where thousands of Australian and New Zealand soldiers died fighting the Turks, as he responded to Friday’s Christchurch mosque massacres.

Currently Australians are advised to take a high degree of caution when travelling to Turkey.

Advice warns travellers not to travel to any area within 10km of the Syrian border and Diyarbakir city.

Currently Australia only has do not travel warning in place for Yemen, Venezuela, Syria, South Sudan, Somalia, Libya, Iraq, Central African Republic, Burundi and Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australians travelling to Turkey should exercise common sense.

“I will wait to see what the response is from the Turkish government before taking further action, but I can tell you that all options are on the table,” he said.

“Remarks have been made by the Turkish President Erdogan that I consider highly offensive to Australians, and highly reckless in this very sensitive environment,” the prime minister told reporters in Canberra.

Turkish Ambassador to Australia Korhan Karakoc arrives at Parliament House for a meeting with Scott Morrison in Canberra. Picture: Kym Smith

“They are offensive because they insult the memory of our Anzacs and they violate the pledge that is etched in the stone at Gallipoli, of the promise of Ataturk to the mothers of other Anzacs.”

Mr Morrison met with the Turkish ambassador Korhan Karakoc at Parliament House.

“I do not accept the excuses that have been offered for those comments,” he said.

“I am expecting, and I have asked, for these comments to be clarified, to be withdrawn,” said Mr Morrison.

“I’ve asked for these comments, particularly their reporting of the misrepresented position of Australia on Turkish television, the state-sponsored broadcaster, to be taken down and I expect that to occur.”

He described claims about Australia and New Zealand’s response to the white supremacist attack as “vile.”

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also showed excerpts of a video taken by the Christchurch attacker who killed 50 people in mosques in New Zealand at a campaign rally. Picture: AP

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‘DEEPLY OFFENSIVE REMARKS’

In a shocking reference to the ill-fated World War I battle, Turkey’s president warned that Australians who visit his country could return home in coffins like their grandfathers after Gallipoli. He also claimed Australian gunman Brenton Tarrant was targeting Turkey during his attack on two Christchurch mosques.

“I find it a very offensive comment,” Mr Morrison told the ABC this morning.

“I find the responsibility in these situations, of all leaders, is to take the temperature down.

“We’ve had a tremendous relationship with the Turkish people over a long period of time, and we’ve seen that in the spirit in the Anzac Day is able to be commemorated each and every year.

“I don’t find the comments very helpful, nor very accurate or truthful as well, because the actions of the Australian and New Zealand government is consistent with our values of welcoming and supporting people from all around the world.”

The Prime Minister made similar comments to Alan Jones this morning.

“Australia and New Zealand absolutely and unconditionally condemned the terrorist attack in Christchurch and we have reached out and provided every support to the Muslim community both here and in New Zealand,” he said.

He said both countries were “models of tolerant society of people from all around the world.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says he will be letting Turkey know how offensive the comments are. Picture: AAP

‘FOOLISH REMARKS’

Labor leader Bill Shorten also lashed the Turkish president for his “foolish and offensive remarks”.

“Intemperate and regrettable remarks like this only play into the hands of those who seek to divide. They do not protect the peace and security of any nation,” he said.

“Many thousands of Australians and New Zealanders will shortly be heading to Turkey to commemorate the shared sacrifice of our two nations at Gallipoli, and 100 years of friendship since.

“It is up to all leaders of all countries to stand against hate, to demonstrate that unity makes us stronger, that hope can triumph over fear, and that love is greater than hate.”

Federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said President Erdogan’s remarks were “foolish”.

Mr Shorten said it was important we heed the words attributed to the founder of modern Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, inscribed at Anzac Cove: “You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. You, the mothers who sent their sons from faraway countries, wipe away your tears … After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well.”

Mr Morrison, who is gearing up to make his case before G20 leaders to force social media companies to restrict hateful content, invited President Erdogan to join him in the fight.

“He’s a member of G20, I hope he will join with me in addressing issues around social media when it comes to terror attacks because social media platforms have been weaponised by terrorists of all influences around the world,” he said.

Mr Morrison is set to meet with social media companies to discuss his concerns next week.

News Corp has contacted the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade regarding the latest travel advice for Turkey awaits response.