UN top officials condemn Istanbul's terrorist attack

(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) NEW YORK, June 29 (KUNA) -- UN top officials condemned Istanbul''s Ataturk International Airport''s terrorist attack, stressing the need to intensify regional and international efforts to combat terrorism.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon condemned in his statement released Tuesday evening by his press office, the attack, expressing his deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government and people of Turkey. He also wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

In his statement, Ban hoped that the perpetrators of this crime will be identified and brought to justice, standing firmly by Turkey as it confronts this threat. The UN Chief stressed "the need to intensify regional and international efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism." In a separate statement, the President of the United Nations General Assembly Mogens Lykketoft, expressed "anger and grief" over the terrorist attack that shook Istanbul.

Lykketoft called the international community to redouble efforts, through much closer cooperation, to contain and fight radical and violent extremism.

Two explosions that shook the city left behind 28 dead and 60 wounded. According to reports, gunmen escaped the scene following the explosions, while a third suicidal attacker was at large. The country witnessed a series of explosions this year, three of them in Istanbul, two in Ankara and one against a mosque in Bursa.(end) mao.rk