25 June 2004, United Nations, New York – Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert condemned yesterday’s the bombings in Istanbul, Turkey, where one explosion killed four people on a crowded bus.  The Secretary was in Turkey last week to attend the 31st Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers in Istanbul.

Four people were killed when a bomb exploded on a crowded public bus here Thursday, a few hours after a similar device blew up near a luxury hotel in Ankara, where President Bush was due to stay this weekend in advance of the NATO summit meeting on Monday.

“The Philippines condemns all terrorists acts.  When directed against innocent civilians, these terrorist acts are even more reprehensible.  I offer our sympathies to the families of the victims and express confidence that those responsible will be brought to justice,” Secretary Albert said.

She added that no Filipinos were killed or injured in the two blasts.  “Initial reports state that no Filipinos were affected by the explosions.  I have instructed our Ambassador to Turkey to insure that all Filipinos in Turkey are safe.

“In my recent visit to Turkey, I saw the resolve and determination of its leaders and its people to fight terror and to maintain peace and order.  Those responsible will be brought to justice,” Secretary Albert said. END.