Iran Condemns Terrorist Attacks in Istanbul and Baghdad

According to a Farsi report by ISNA, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi condemned the recent acts of terrorism in Istanbul and Baghdad, and expressed sympathy with the Iraqi and Turkish nations and governments, and the bereaved families of the victims.

“Biased appeasement, instrumental use of violence and terrorism, and adopting double-standard policies against them have contributed to the continued existence of this global scourge, which has crossed all geographical, political, ethical, and religious borders,” Qassemi noted.

He went on to say that the only way to counter this phenomenon is the resolve, consensus, and unity of all countries against violence and terror.

He also expressed the hope that the New Christian Year would be devoid of terrorism and violence thanks to the vigilance and firm resolve of all governments and nations.

A gunman reportedly dressed in a Santa costume killed at least 39 people, including at least 16 foreigners, at a famous nightclub in Istanbul during New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Armed with a long-barrelled weapon, the attacker shot a police officer before storming the elite Reina club in the Ortakoy area of the city at about 1.45am.

Earlier on Saturday, two blasts had rocked the central part of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, killing at least 18 people, according to police.

The blasts hit a market in the Al-Sinek area in Baghdad, the second one after first responders had arrived to rescue the victims from the first explosion.