Photo: AA
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World leaders, diplomatic missions in Türkiye, as well as senior figures of international organizations have expressed condolences over today's (November 13) explosion in İstanbul that killed at least six people and wounded 81 others.
The explosion occurred on İstiklal Avenue, a busy pedestrian street in the popular tourist area of Taksim.
While the reason of the explosion is not yet clear, the authorities have not ruled out a possible "terror" attack.
Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut, head of the EU Delegation to Türkiye, said, "Deeply saddened by the explosion on Istiklal street in İstanbul. Our deepest condolences to all the families lost loved ones, wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. We follow the developments closely," in a statement posted on the delegation's Twitter account.
"Deeply saddened by the explosion on Istiklal street in Istanbul.
— AB Türkiye Delegasyonu????????EU Delegation to Türkiye (@EUDelegationTur) November 13, 2022
Our deepest condolences to all the families lost loved ones, wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.
We follow the developments closely,
Başın sağolsun Türkiye"
Ambassador Nikolaus Meyer Landrut pic.twitter.com/7v2AU66IXl
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenger tweeted, "Shocking images from İstanbul. My thoughts and deepest condolences to all those affected and to the Turkish people. NATO stands in solidarity with our Ally Türkiye."
Charles Michel, president of the European Council, wrote, "Horrific news from İstanbul tonight. Condolences to the victims of the explosion at İstiqlal. All our thoughts are with those currently responding and the people of Türkiye at this very distressing time."
In a Twitter post in Turkish, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine said, "I have learned with deep sadness that there were many losses of lives and injuries in the explosion occurred on İstiklal Avenue. I offer my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and with a speedy recovery to the injured. The pain of the friendly Turkish people is our pain."
Vasyl Bodnar, Ukraine's ambassador to Türkiye, also tweeted in Turkish: "I have learned with deep sadness the news of the explosion that occurred on Taksim İstiklal Avenue. We wish God's mercy for those who lost their lives in the explosion, offer our condolences to the loved ones of those who lost their loved ones, and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. Condolences to the friendly Turkish nation."
The Foreign Ministry of Iraq condemned the "terror attack" and expressed solidarity with the government and people of Türkiye.
In a written statement, Lebanon's Foreign Ministry said, "We condemned the explosion in İstanbul where there were killed and injured. We are in full solidarity with Türkiye in such grievous situations."
Foreign ministries of Qatar, the UAE and Palestine also released statements condemning the explosion and offering condolences for Türkiye.
Hissein Brahim Taha, head of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, also condemned the "terror attack" and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.
The Embassy of France tweeted, "We have learned with great sadness that people were killed and injured in the explosion that occurred on İstiklal Avenue, İstanbul. We offer our condolences to the loved ones of those who were killed and wish a speedy recovery to the injured."
The embassies of Pakistan and Denmark also offered their condolences to the loved ones of those killed in the explosion and to the people of Türkiye. (TY/VK)
