Istanbul's Ataturk airport.  A familiar place to me. The images of the gun and bomb attack on the airport.  Unfortunately, very familiar images as well. Feelings of  shock, consternation, disbelief, profound dismay arise when I hear the tragic news.  Feelings of revulsion and absolute condemnation of this indiscriminate violence. Those who carried out these attacks struck a violent and cowardly blow at those people most committed to solidarity and peace, to our democratic values.  This incident not only affects the Turkish nation and people.  No, the incident affects all of us:  all those who believe and invest in a warm, peaceful and democratic society.
 
I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives and who were injured, to every person as well as rescue and aid workers and who was and is involved in this horrible and brutal attack. A tragedy of this magnitude touches so many families, a whole community, a nation. I wish you all a lot of support and strength.