Thousands Gather In Istanbul To Protest Pope's Visit To Turkey

Thousands of demonstrators are gathering in Istanbul today to protest against Pope Benedict XVI's upcoming visit to Turkey: a predominantly Muslim country.

The demonstrators - Reuters news agency puts the number at 20,000 -- were watched closely by around 4,000 police backed by riot trucks and armored vehicles.

The protest was organized by a pro-Islamic political party, called Felicity, whose leaders have said they are offended by Benedict's comments linking violence and Islam.

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Protesters in Istanbul burned U.S. and Israeli flags today protesting Pope's Visit to Turkey.(epa)