PRESS RELEASES

Statement on Consulate Attack by U.S. Ambassador Ross Wilson

Ankara, July 09, 2008

I want to express my condolences to the families of three Turkish police personnel who were killed in the attack that took place earlier today on our Consulate General in Istanbul.  I understand there may be an additional two Turkish police who are wounded, and they are in our thoughts and prayers.

At approximately 11am assailants opened fire on the Turkish police post at the main entrance of the U.S. Consulate in Istanbul.  I understand that as many as three assailants may have been killed, as well.

The Turkish police responded quickly and effectively.  We are deeply grateful for the work that they do to protect our official U.S. Government establishments here.  We are cooperating closely with them, of course.

I spoke with Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Ertuğrul Apakan very shortly after the attack, and he conveyed the Turkish Government’s condolences and commitment to protect our embassy and consulates and their personnel, which I deeply appreciate.  I expressed our sadness at Turkey’s loss of life.

I also spoke with our Consul General in Istanbul, Sharon Wiener, and understand from her that all of our consulate staff are safe and accounted for.

It is, of course, inappropriate now to speculate on who may have done this or why.  It is an obvious act of terrorism.  Our countries will stand together and confront this, as we have in the past.