Terrorist bombings in Ankara draw worldwide condemnation

The Turkish government announced a three-day national mourning after twin bomb attacks that rocked the capital Saturday, killing over 95 people and 264 others, according to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).

The heinous deadly attacks sparked wide-scale condemnation from the world countries and international organizations, and solidarity with Turkey.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the twin deadly bomb attacks on a peace rally in Ankara describing them as "hateful." "I fiercely condemn the hateful attack against our unity and solidarity and our country's peace," the president said.

Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu vowed to bring perpetrators to justice and called for unity among Turkish of political hues to stance against terrorism. "Let's not assess terror according to the perpetrator or to the victims. The victims of all terrorist attacks are victims and it is our duty to protect the rights of all victims. Whoever perpetrates terror is guilty. They are the enemies of humanity and mass murderers. We should stand shoulder to shoulder against them," he said.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud denounced the blast and reiterated the Kingdom's solidarity with Turkey in the fight against all forms of terrorism. During a phone with Turkish President Erdogan, King Salman also expressed condolences over the victims of the terrorist bombings that hit Ankara earlier today, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

In Kuwait, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent a cable of condolences to Turkey's President Erdogan, expressing his heartfelt sympathy and sorrow after the twin bombings. His Highness the Amir affirmed Kuwait's strong condemnation of the two terrorist blasts which targeted innocent civilians and the security and stability of the country. His Highness wished speedy recovery for the injured in this terrible accident and solace for the families of those who lost their loved ones. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah sent similar cables. The National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim and the Foreign Ministry issued statements denouncing the heinous terror blasts as well.

Pakistan also condemned the heinous act of terrorism in the strongest possible terms. "We extend our heartfelt condolences to the brotherly people and government of Turkey and pray for the speediest recovery of those injured in this abhorrent attack," Pakistani Foreign Office said in a statement. "Pakistan reiterates its condemnation of terrorism in all forms and manifestations. While reaffirming our abiding support and solidarity for the fraternal Turkish nation in their struggle against terrorism, we are certain that Turkey would overcome this scourge with its characteristic resolve and determination", said the Foreign Office.

In New York, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon condemned Ankara terrorist bombings. He also sent his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the people and the Government of Turkey, and wishes those injured a speedy recovery.

Meanwhile, the European Union and NATO condemned Saturday's terrorist attacks, expressing solidarity with Turkey in its fight against terrorism. "A new tragedy has shocked Turkey today," said Federica Mogherini, EU High Representative, and Johannes Hahn, EU Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, in a joint statement. "We stand by all people in Turkey who work together to counter violence and terrorism. Our partnership and engagement with the Turkish authorities and Turkish society is stronger than ever, at all levels," noted the EU statement.

For his part, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg "strongly condemned" the terrorist attack and said "there can be no justification for such a horrendous attack on people marching for peace." "All NATO Allies stand united in the fight against the scourge of terrorism, " he added.

In Washington, President Barack spoke by phone with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to offer condolences for the bombings, the White House announced. "The President conveyed his deepest personal sympathies for those killed and injured in these heinous attacks, and affirmed that the American people stand in solidarity with the people of Turkey in the fight against terrorism and shared security challenges in the region," the statement said.

Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders condemned the attacks and called for a return to peace and security in Turkey, KUNA reported.