The German government condemns in the strongest possible terms the most recent attack in Istanbul, declared deputy government spokesperson Georg Streiter in Berlin. Germany, he said, feels a special bond with the victims.
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The German government is appalled by the perfidious attack in Istanbul, said deputy government spokesperson Georg Streiter at the government press conference. The terrorists fully intended to kill and injure people who were celebrating peacefully. Georg Streiter pointed to the parallels between this attack and the terrorist attack in Berlin. Germany, he said, feels a special bond with the victims in Istanbul.
An attack on Istanbul’s "Reina" nightclub killed at least 39 people who were celebrating the New Year. The so-called Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Federal Foreign Office spokesperson Martin Schäfer reported that two permanent residents in Germany were among the victims. At least one of them is a German citizen. Three Germans were injured in the attack, but none of them are in a critical condition, said Martin Schäfer.
Chancellor Angela Merkel conveyed her condolences to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Sunday. "Once again terrorists have attacked your country. In Istanbul, they have perpetrated an inhuman and perfidious attack on people who had gathered to celebrate the New Year together," said the Chancellor. Her thoughts, she said, are with the victims, and their families and friends.
Federal Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier also declared his shock at this "appalling and cowardly attack" in Istanbul. "At this difficult time we stand side by side with Turkey," he said.
The German government is cooperating closely with Turkey in the fight against international terrorism. This includes the fight against the so-called Islamic state (IS) terrorist organisation.
The "anti-IS coalition" is coordinating international efforts. It embraces 64 partners including the EU and Germany. International cooperation is focusing on five areas:
Germany is involved in the relevant working groups in all five areas. With respect to stabilising liberated areas, Germany has assumed a leading role and chairs the pertinent working group.