Turkish business leaders condemn assassination of Russian envoy

ANKARA/ISTANBUL

Turkey’s leading business organizations have strongly condemned the killing of Russia’s ambassador to Ankara, Andrey Karlov, as a result of an armed attack, extending condolences to his family and the Russian people. 

Karlov was assassinated at an art exhibition in the Turkish capital of Ankara on Dec. 19.

“We vehemently condemn this horrible attack. In the name of both myself and our members, I offer my deep condolences to Mr. Ambassador’s close family, the Russia Federation Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all Russian people,” said the head of the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEİK), Ömer Cihad Vardan. 

He also said the vicious attack aimed at Russian-Turkish ties, among others. 

“I hope that we will all overcome such brutal attacks and we will not see such horrible attacks again with the creation of a common and determined stance in terms of the fight against terror in the entire international community,” added Vardan. 

DEİK’s Turkish-Russian Business Council president, Tuncay Özilhan, said he also strongly condemned the assassination of Mr. Karlov, “who wholeheartedly believed in the close friendship ties between the two countries and who made enormous contributions on the road to maintaining these ties.” 

“Those people, terror organizations and dark hands behind this treacherous attack will be determined immediately and treated with the required legal actions, I hope,” said Özilhan, offering his deep condolences as well and underlining the strong ties between Russia and Turkey. 

The head of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB), Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, strongly slammed the “unacceptable and brutal” attack against Karlov.

“I am terribly sorry for the loss of Mr. Karlov’s life … We are against any types of terror and violence, blasting them vehemently. The attack on Mr. Ambassador is an unacceptable and inhuman act,” he said, adding that he had full confidence about the two countries’ common stance against terror. 

“We believe that the perpetrators of the brutal attack will be revealed soon,” he said, also extending his condolences to Karlov’s family and the Russian people. 

The Turkish Industry and Business Association (TÜSİAD) also offered the group’s condolences to Karlov’s family and the Russian people and state. 

“We hope the dark hands behind this unacceptable attack will be uncovered as soon as possible,” said TÜSİAD. 

The head of the Independent Industrialists and Businessmen Association (MÜSİAD), Nail Olpak, slammed the brutal attack on Karlov and voiced his belief that hose responsible for the attack would be apprehended.

“Mr. Karlov was known for his positive perspective and attitude even when the Turkish-Russian crisis was at its peak. We offer our deep condolences to the Russian Federation and its people, who lost a distinguished diplomat, and Mr. Ambassador’s family,” said Olpak.  

The Hotel Association of Turkey (TÜROB) board voiced their deep sorrow over the killing, underlining his significant role in recently improving bilateral ties. 

“We strongly condemn this attack. We hope the dark hands behind this unacceptable attack will be uncovered and treated with the required legal action as soon as possible,” said the TÜROB board, offering its condolences to Karlov’s family and the Russian people.