Council of Europe head Jagland 'shocked' at Hatay explosion

ISTANBUL

Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjørn Jagland. AA photo

The Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjørn Jagland, has expressed his surprise at the explosion that occurred near the Cilvegözü gate on the Turkish Syrian border in the southern province of Hatay's Reyhanlı district.

"I visited a refugee camp only last week," Jagland said, extending his condolences to the families and relations of the killed and injured, "regardless of their nationality."

Jagland also reiterated the Council of Europe's support for Turkey's efforts to host Syrian refugees.

At least 10 civilians were killed and more than 30 others were wounded in the blast.

Nearly 15 vehicles, some of them carrying humanitarian aid to the Syrians affected by the ongoing civil war in the country, were also damaged.

Jagland delivered the opening speech of a high-level joint international conference with the Council of Europe on Feb. 5, which focused on freedom of expression and the media in Turkey.