ANKARA - The dual bomb attacks on Istanbul's two synagogues in which 25 people were killed and more than 300 others were wounded, were harshly condemned at Tuesday's session of the Parliamentary General Assembly.
Speaking at the session, Deputy Parliament Speaker Ismail Alptekin said, ''we consider Saturday's bomb attacks an unacceptable and unforgivable terrorist attack against our civilian people. I want to reiterate once again that we are obliged to co-operate with the other countries in fight against terrorism targeting the peace in the world and in our country. On the other hand, regional and world countries should recognize that methods developed against terrorism should not be consisted of more violence, more pressure and more occupation.''
''In this saddening day, I want to condemn terrorism in all its forms on behalf of our parliament. I commiserated with those who lost their beloved ones in the attacks. I extend my condolences to them and implore God's strength upon all,'' he added.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Abdulkadir Aksu informed the MPs on the ongoing investigation into the bomb attacks.
Stressing that a significant progress had been recorded in the investigation and serious findings had been reached, Aksu said, ''I believe that these events will be clarified with all their dimensions.''
''These heinous and hateful attacks, in fact, targeted Turkey's stability and its influence in its adjacent. There is not any other word to describe these attacks except for terrorism. These attacks, whatever their motives are, are the crimes against humanity. Therefore, I condemn them with outrage. Any motives will not be enough to justify these terror attacks,'' he said.
Recalling that he left for Istanbul as soon as he heard about the attacks, Aksu said, ''Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan cut short his visit to Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to return to Turkey. We paid visits to families of the dead and the wounded. We tried to share their grief and pain. From the very beginning, relevant prosecutors and all security units have been carrying out works in coordination.''
Aksu added, ''Turkey has suffered much from terror acts since the 1970s. In every international platform, Turkey highlighted importance of co-operation in fight against terrorism. As a result, Turkey has signed bilateral security agreements with 43 countries and multilateral agreements with six countries. All countries should act with a great sensitivity in order to prevent terrorism.''
Two explosives-laden pickup trucks exploded in front of Istanbul's two synagogues on Saturday morning, killing 25 people and wounding more than 300 others.
(UK-AY) 18.11.2003