20 November 2003
NATO Statements Condemn Nov. 20 Bombings in Istanbul
Secy-General Robertson, North Atlantic Council, NATO-Russia Council
NATO Secretary General Lord Robertson, the North Atlantic Council (NAC), and the NATO-Russia Council have all condemned as outrageous the November 20 terrorist attacks on the British Consulate and a British-based bank in Istanbul.
They also offered condolences to the families of the several dozen persons who were killed in the bombings, and their sympathies to the hundreds of people who were injured.
Following are the three statements:
(begin text)
NATO Press Release (2003)141
20 November 2003
NATO SECRETARY GENERAL EXPRESSES OUTRAGE AT TERRORIST ATTACKS IN ISTANBUL
I wish to express my shock and outrage at the horrific bombings in Istanbul today. This outrageous act follows in the footsteps of earlier, equally despicable, attacks. The perpetrators have a clear goal --- to sow fear among innocent civilians. They constitute an attack on the democratic values that NATO stands for and I condemn this action in the strongest terms.
The terrorists who carry out such barbarities will receive the contempt of all civilised people. NATO and the rest of international community will stand together, determined to work shoulder-to-shoulder in eradicating the scourge of terrorism, which is a threat to us all regardless of religion, culture or nationality. Our solidarity is only reinforced by the latest tragic events.
Our thoughts and sympathies go to the Allied governments and people of Turkey and the United Kingdom, as well as directly to the victims and their families and loved ones.
(end Robertson text)
(begin NAC text)
NATO Press Release
20 November 2003
STATEMENT BY THE NORTH ATLANTIC COUNCIL FOLLOWING THE TERRORISTS ATTACKS IN ISTANBUL
The North Atlantic Council with the invited nations, meeting this afternoon, condemns in the strongest terms the outrageous and barbaric attacks which were carried out this morning in Istanbul. Once again, terrorism has claimed a heavy toll in human life and injury among innocent victims.
The Allies extend their condolences and deepest sympathy to the families of those killed or wounded in these indiscriminate and cowardly attacks. NATO also expresses its full and unwavering solidarity to its two Allies, Turkey and the United Kingdom, which have been targeted in this latest act of terrorism.
At the same time, NATO reaffirms its determination to use all the means at its disposal and to cooperate fully with other international organizations to fight terrorism in all its forms and bring those responsible for these inhuman acts to justice.
(end NAC text)
(begin NATO-Russia Council text)
NATO NRC Press Statement
20 Nov. 2003
NATO-RUSSIA COUNCIL CONDEMNS TERRORIST ATTACKS IN ISTANBUL
The NATO-Russia Council (NRC) today added its collective voice to the shock and outrage at the appalling bombings in Istanbul earlier in the day. This outrageous act follows earlier, equally unacceptable, attacks against the people of Turkey and other members of the NRC.
The terrorists who carry out these atrocities will not succeed in their efforts to sow fear and division among the international community. All members of the NRC will stand together, determined to work shoulder-to-shoulder in eradicating the scourge of terrorism, which is a threat to us all regardless of religion, culture or nationality.
Our thoughts and sympathies go to the governments and people of Turkey and the United Kingdom, as well as directly to the victims and their families and loved ones.
(end text)
(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
This page printed from: http://usinfo.state.gov/xarchives/display.html?p=washfile-english&y=2003&m=November&x=20031120150825osnhojac0.7873957&t=usinfo/wf-latest.html
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