OSCE Chairperson Steinmeier and Secretary General Zannier condemn in strongest terms terror attack in Ankara

BERLIN / VIENNA, 14 March 2016 – The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier today expressed deep sorrow and condemned in the strongest terms yesterday’s terror attack in Ankara that killed at least 37 people and left more than 120 wounded.

Chairperson-in-Office Steinmeier said: “The news we received from Ankara yesterday is deeply troubling. I condemn this horrible attack in the strongest terms. In these dark hours we are standing side by side with the people of Turkey. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the victims and we wish a swift recovery to those who were injured.”

Secretary General Zannier said: “In recent months, Turkey has suffered a number of deadly terrorist attacks. No state can confront this kind of challenge alone – and it is in everybody’s interest to work together to prevent it.”

Steinmeier and Zannier emphasized that terrorism can only be defeated through a sustained and comprehensive approach involving the active participation and collaboration of state and civil society actors, as well as international and regional organizations. The Chairperson-in-Office further underscored that “we will only be able to successfully eradicate the grounds for terrorism and its violent apologists if we all act together with perseverance and through long-lasting engagement.”

Fighting terrorism and countering violent extremism remain a key priority of the OSCE, the two said.  “The OSCE will continue to do its part to step up co-operation among its participating States, Partners for Co-operation, international and regional organizations and other relevant actors to counter terrorism and violent extremism,” said Zannier.

Turkey is one of the OSCE’s 57 participating States.