RECEP TAYYIP ERDOGAN

The statement by President Recep Tayyip ErdoÄŸan on the terror attack that took place at Istanbul Atatürk Airport is as follows:

I strongly condemn the terror attack which took place at Istanbul Atatürk Airport and offer my condolences to the victims’ families and our nation. May Allah bless the souls of everyone who lost their lives in this heinous attack.

The attack, which took place during the holy month of Ramadan, shows that terrorism strikes with no regard for faith and values. Nor do terrorists distinguish between their victims.

This attack once again revealed the dark face of terrorist organizations targeting innocent civilians.

It is obvious that this attack does not aim to attain any results but merely aims to produce propaganda material against our country by shedding the blood of and causing pain for innocent civilians.

We urge governments, parliaments, media and civil society organizations around the world, especially in Western countries, to take a firm stand against terrorism.

Despite paying a heavy price, Turkey has the power, determination and capacity to continue the fight against terrorism until the end.

However, I would like to remind that today’s attack targeted not only 79 million Turkish citizens but also 7.5 billion human beings around the world.

Due to the treacherous nature of terrorism, the bombs that exploded in Istanbul today could have gone off at any airport in any city around the world.

Make no mistake: For terrorist organizations, there is no difference between Istanbul and London, Ankara and Berlin, Izmir and Chicago or Antalya and Rome.

Unless all government and the entire mankind join forces in the fight against terrorism, much worse things than what we fear to imagine today will come true.

I hope the Ataturk Airport attack will serve as a turning point in the world, particularly for the Western countries, for a joint struggle against terror organizations.

I once again wish Allah’s grace upon the victims who lost their lives in this attack and a quick recovery to those injured.

I offer my condolences to our nation.