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SG/SM/17451

Secretary-General Condemns Deadly Istanbul Bombing as ‘Despicable Crime’, Saying He Expects Perpetrators of Attack to Face Justice

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General condemns the terrorist bombing today in Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul, Turkey.  This despicable crime targeting the heart of Istanbul’s tourist district has reportedly claimed the lives of 10 people and injured at least 15 others.

The Secretary-General expects the perpetrators of this attack to be swiftly brought to justice.  He sends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the people and the Governments of Turkey and Germany and other foreign citizens impacted by the bombing.  He wishes those injured a speedy recovery.

For information media. Not an official record.