Secretary-General Condemns Assassination of Russian Ambassador to Turkey, Stresses There Can Be No Justification for Targeting Diplomats, Civilians

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

The Secretary-General condemns the assassination of Russian Ambassador to Turkey Andrey Karlov in Ankara today.  He expresses his deepest condolences to the family of Ambassador Karlov and to the Government and people of the Russian Federation.

The Secretary-General is appalled by this senseless act of terror and emphasizes that there can be no justification for the targeting of diplomatic personnel and civilians.  The Secretary-General is following the unfolding situation closely and wishes the other people who were reportedly injured in the attack a speedy and full recovery.