ANKARA - Turkish State Minister Kursad Tuzmen signed on Monday, on behalf of the Turkish government, the book of condolences opened at the Russian Embassy in Ankara for those who lost their lives in the terrorist attack on a school in North Ossetia last week.
After he signed the book, Tuzmen said, ''on behalf of my government, I would like to express our deep sorrow over the terrorist attack which claimed lives of many people, including children.''
Strongly condemning this inhumane terrorist act, Tuzmen offered his condolences to the relatives of those who were killed in the attack, the Russian government and people, and wished quick recovery for the injured.
Tuzmen pointed out that Turkey and Russia had recently recorded significant progress in every area, especially in trade, and went on saying, ''we had carried out a good work with Mr. Ambassador (Petr Stegny). We had especially well-planned (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's visit (to Turkey). We were working on projects through which we can record significant developments in political and commercial areas. This visit was postponed due to this inhumane act we strongly condemn.''
On the other hand, Russian Ambassador to Turkey, Petr Stegny, said that the visit of Tuzmen in this sorrowful day of Russia demonstrated that Turkey was in solidarity with Russia in fight against terrorism.
Stegny said, ''terrorism is an evil act. It has neither religious nor ethnic borders. It even can claim lives of children.''
The Russian Embassy was sharing Turkey's sorrow over death of Turkish citizen Alana Dogan in the terrorist act, Stegny noted.
Stegny stated that he shared Tuzmen's views regarding further improvement of Turkish-Russian relations, and assured Tuzmen that Putin would pay his delayed visit to Turkey as soon as possible.
(BRC-ULG) 06.09.2004