ANKARA - Turkey has harshly condemned the attack on Italian military base in Iraqi town of Nassiriya, stressing that such attacks aimed at hampering international efforts to settle stability and security in Iraq.
Releasing a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed profound sorrow over loss of lives in Wednesday's terrorist attack on Italian military troops which have been deployed in Nassiriya under the U.S.-led Stability Forces.
''Turkey harshly condemns the attack. This act of violence is a part of recent attacks on civilian and military targets in Iraq. Such attacks aim at hampering international efforts to settle stability and security in Iraq. We appreciate Italy's assistance to Iraqi people in rebuilding process of Iraq,'' the statement said.
In the statement, Turkey offered its condolences and implored God's strength upon all who are grieving for their beloved ones.
Earlier in the day, a car bomb ripped through an Italian military police base in the Iraqi town of Nassiriya, killing at least 15 Italians and eight Iraqis and injuring nearly 80 people.
(UK) 12.11.2003