ISTANBUL - Interior Minister Abdulkadir Aksu has said, ''today, international community has been seeking solidarity and co-operation against terrorism for a peaceful world more than ever. As Turkey, we are always ready for international co-operation in fight against terrorism. We will maintain our fight till the end.''
Aksu attended a ceremony, which was held in the Provincial Directorate of Security on Saturday out of respect to policemen Huseyin Apaydin and Salih Capkin, who lost their lives in Thursday's bombings in Istanbul while working as guards at the British Consulate General.
Speaking at the ceremony, Aksu stressed that terrorism had unveiled its gory face in Istanbul for the second time in just five days.
''A total of 27 people lost their lives in the second twin bomb attacks of bloodthirsty terrorists. In fact, right to live is holy. It is so hard to accept the death. However, demise of these people in the hands of terrorists has given more pain and grief to us. According to teachings of the Islam, those who are exposed to attacks of cruels, are considered martyrs. There were two policemen among those who lost their lives in Thursday's heinous attacks. Their demise created a profound sorrow in our hearts. I offer my condolences to families of all the dead, and to our nation. I want to call out relatives of victims of recent bombings that Turkey, as a whole, commiserates with them,'' he said.
Stressing that those who were responsible for the attacks did not have any understanding and human affection, Aksu said, ''terrorist organizations have been trying to hide their gory acts behind some reasons. However, any reason cannot justify killing of innocent people. Any reason is not worth of these tears. If those terrorists had some understending, they would have understood that they were used by someone else. Our nation curses all of them. Our nation is aware of the fact that these terrorists acts, in fact, targeted our unity and solidarity, our democracy and our republic.''
''The world public opinion has been aware of those who want to use terrorism as an element of politics, and their supporters. Today, international community has been seeking solidarity and co-operation against terrorism for a peaceful world more than ever. As Turkey, we are always ready for international co-operation in fight against terrorism. We will maintain our fight till the end. This hateful attacks will not intimidate our security forces,'' he stressed.
Relatives of Apaydin and Captin, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Labor and Social Security Minister Murat Basesgioglu, Istanbul Governor Muammer Guler, First Army Commander General Yasar Buyukanit, Istanbul Mayor Ali Mufit Gurtuna, Istanbul Police Chief Celalettin Cerrah and policemen were also in attendance at the ceremony.
(UK) 22.11.2003