(MENAFN- The Journal Of Turkish Weekly) Leaders from around the world condemned the terror attack on Istanbul’sAtatürkAirport which left at least 36 people dead and 147 others injured on June 28.
The United States condemned the attack, calling it “heinous,” while also pledging “steadfast” support for the country.
“Ataturk International Airport, like Brussels Airport which was attacked earlier this year, is a symbol of international connections and the ties that bind us together,” White House spokesman Josh Earnest said in a statement.
“We remain steadfast in our support for Turkey, ourNATOally and partner, along with all of our friends and allies around the world, as we continue to confront the threat of terrorism,” he added.
State Department spokesman Mark Toner also said the attack was “only the latest in a series of attacks aimed at killing and maiming innocent civilians.”
“Such attacks will only reinforce our determination to work with the government of Turkey to counter the scourge of terrorism and support all those across the region who are working to promote peace and reconciliation,” he said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Ambassador toAnkaraJohn Bass also said he was horrified by the terror attack.
“Horrified by tonight’s attack atAtaturkairport. We mourn with the families of those lost, and pray for speedy recovery for those wounded,” a tweet from the Embassy’s Twitter account read, quoting the ambassador.
Hillary Clinton, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, said in a statement that “all Americans stand united with the people of Turkey against this campaign of hatred and violence.”
“Today’s attack in Istanbul only strengthens our resolve to defeat the forces of terrorism and radical jihadism around the world,” she added. “And it reminds us that the United States cannot retreat.”
Meanwhile, Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, said the threat of terrorism “has never been greater.”
“We must take steps now to protectAmericafrom terrorists, and do everything in our power to improve our security to keepAmericasafe,” he said in a statement.
British Ambassador to Turkey Richard Moore also condemned the attack.
“I condemn the brutal attack in Istanbul and offer my condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives. [The] U.K. stands by Turkey,” Moore tweeted.
British Prime MinisterDavid Cameronalso shared the country’s support for Turkey.
“Appalled by attack in Istanbul tonight. Thoughts and prayers with all those affected,” he said.
In addition,GermanForeign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said he was shocked when he heard the news. “Our thoughts go out the people of Turkey. Germany stands by them.”
The foreign minister of France, Jean-Marc Ayrault, also tweeted that he was shocked, adding that theFrenchconsulate in Istanbul was ready to work with Turkey.
U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon also condemned the attack, calling for increased cooperation in the fight against terrorism.
Ban “condemns today’s terrorist attack” and “expresses his deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and people of Turkey,” his spokesman said in a statement.
The U.N. chief “stands firmly by Turkey as it confronts this threat and stresses the need to intensify regional and international efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism,” it added.
Council ofEuropeSecretary-General Thorbjorn Jagland wrote via Twitter that the EU stands by Turkey.
“Our member state Turkey [has suffered] another deadly terrorist attack. We stand by you in these troubling times,” he said.
EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini described the deadly attack as “another tragic terrorist attack in Turkey. The EU stands by the Turkish people. Our heart is with them all.”
Belgium, which recently suffered a terror attack, also condemned the deadly attack and empathized with the victims.
“Our thoughts are with the victims of the attacks at Istanbul’s airport. We condemn these atrocious acts of violence in Istanbul,” Prime Minister Charles Michel said.
Greece’s Foreign Ministry also shared its support for Turkey. “Disgusted and appalled by the new terrorist attack in Istanbul. We stand by our neighbors, our friends, against terror,” it said.
Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif condemned the attack as well and called for a global fight against terrorism.
“Terror rears its ugly head yet again in our friend and neighbor’s airport. Extremist violence is a global threat; we must confront it together,” he tweeted.
Canada condemned the attack through Canadian Foreign Minister Stéphane Dion’s Twitter account, saying it “stands with Turkey.”
On Saudi Arabia’s official news agency SPA, Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud expressed his condolences to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoan.
Posting a message on its official Facebook site, the Israeli Embassy inAnkarasaid: “Israel harshly condemns the hideous terror attack on IstanbulAtatürkAirport yesterday that claimed the lives of many innocent people. We extend our condolences to the Turkish government, the Turkish people, and the families of those who lost their lives; and we wish a speedy recovery to those who are injured.”