Global leaders react to attacks at Istanbul airport

World Today

Around the world, there’s been an outpouring of support for the victims to the June 29 terror attack in Istanbul, Turkey.

CCTV America’s Roee Ruttenberg reports.

Terrorism is not just a problem for Turkey, it’s a problem for the whole world and we should unite despite difficult geopolitical relations. People should unite in the face of the threat of terrorism and fight against it: that’s the sentiment being echoed by leaders around the world.

“I spoke by telephone with the president of Turkey and at the beginning of the conversation I expressed condolences to all Turkish people in connection to the terrorist act, which was carried out in Istanbul,” Vladimir Putin, Russian President said.

“China strongly condemns this (Ataturk Airport) terrorist attack which targeted common people. China opposes terrorism of any form, and calls upon the international community to enhance the coordination to jointly fight against terrorism in order to safeguard international peace and stability,” Hong Lei, Chinese Foreign Minister said.

“I had a chance to speak to President Erdogan earlier today to discuss with him not only how heartbroken we have been by the images of the injured and those killed, but also to reaffirm our strong commitment to partner with Turkey, with NATO, with the broad-based alliance that we have structured around the world to fight ISIL,” Barack Obama, U.S. President said.

Many are noting similarities of the attack in Istanbul — to the one on the airport in Brussels, three months ago. That one, claimed by ISIL.

Some travelers in Europe are now canceling their flights, or re-routing through other hubs.

Security is also being stepped-up in the U.S. Speaking in Washington, CIA-head John Brennan said the Turkey attacks bore the hallmarks of ISIL.


Turkish foreign policy analyst Bulent Aliriza on terror in Turkey

For more on terror in Turkey, CCTV America’s Asieh Namdar spoke to Turkish foreign policy analyst Bulent Aliriza. He’s the director and a senior associate of the Turkey Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.


Marc Grossman on terror in Turkey

For more on terror in Turkey, CCTV America’s Asieh Namdar spoke to Marc Grossman, a former U.S. Ambassador to Turkey.