Annan strongly condemns latest terrorist bombings in Turkey

United Nations Secretary-General today strongly condemned the latest terrorist attacks in Istanbul, Turkey, on the British consulate and the HSBC headquarters in which at least 26 people were killed.

In a statement issued by a spokesman for the Secretary-General, Mr. Annan sent his "deepest condolence to the Governments and peoples of Turkey and the United Kingdom, and especially to the families of the victims."

Mr. Annan also expressed his deep sympathy to those injured "in these latest acts of callous brutality," the statement added. "He hopes that the perpetrators will be swiftly identified and brought to justice."

Speaking earlier Thursday to journalists at UN Headquarters in New York, the Secretary-General said: "We all woke up to another shocking news and I condemn totally the latest terrorist attacks in Istanbul…Those who carried out these attacks have no respect for human life and we should condemn utterly their actions."