2008 United States Consulate in Istanbul Attack - International Reaction

International Reaction

• United States - White House spokesman, Tony Fratto said, "We strongly condemn the attack." However, he did add "I'm not yet in a position to comment on the facts or nature of the attack." US Ambassador to Turkey Ross Wilson called the assault by gunmen on a guardpost outside the US consulate in Istanbul "an obvious act of terrorism" aimed at the United States. In remarks about the death of the three police officers he said, "The persons who lost their lives are Turkish citizens and we are very sad about that." He added that "The Turkish police responded quickly and effectively. We are deeply grateful for the work that they do to protect our official U.S. government establishments here." In response to the attack, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said, "Obviously first of all the United States deeply regrets the loss of life and condolences go out to the families of those who were killed. I know that some policemen were among those who died and we very much appreciate what was clearly a very rapid and proper response from the government to try to deal with the security situation in front of our consulate."

• Turkey - Istanbul Governor Muammer Guler stated that "There is no doubt that this is a terrorist attack" and described the three slain policemen as "martyred." President Abdullah Gul of Turkey condemned the attack and pledged that his country would "fight against those who masterminded such acts and the mentality behind it until the end."