UN chief slams deadly attack in SE Turkey
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E-mail Xinhua, May 12, 2013
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon strongly condemned a deadly attack in southeastern Turkey Saturday, which claimed dozens of lives and injured many more.
"The secretary-general condemns, in the strongest terms, the deadly attack that took place today in the town of Reyhanli, in Turkey's Hatay province," said a statement issued here by Ban's spokesperson.
At least 40 people were killed and 100 others injured after explosions shook a Turkish town Saturday near the border with Syria, Turkish Interior Minister Muammer Guler said.
Initial reports said four blasts occurred near the municipal building and post offices in the town of Reyhanli.
The number of casualties may continue to increase, as many of the injuries were severe, said Guler.
In his statement, the UN chief condemned "all acts of terrorism and reiterates that no cause or grievance ever justifies the targeting of civilians," demanding the perpetrators must be " swiftly identified and brought to justice."
"The secretary-general sends his deepest condolences to the victims and their families, as well as to the government and people of Turkey, and wishes those injured a speedy recovery," said the statement.
Turkey is facing an influx of Syrian refugees as the situation in Syria worsens.
Local reports said tensions have already been high in the area for a couple of weeks. Lately, there was a gang fight between Syrian refugees and Turkish youths in Reyhanli.
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