New York

19 December 2016

Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on the assassination of the Russian Ambassador to Turkey

The Secretary-General condemns the assassination of Russian Ambassador to Turkey Andrey Karlov in Ankara today. He expresses his deepest condolences to the family of Ambassador Karlov and to the Government and people of the Russian Federation.
The Secretary-General is appalled by this senseless act of terror and emphasizes that there can be no justification for the targeting of diplomatic personnel and civilians. The Secretary-General is following the unfolding situation closely and wishes the other people who were reportedly injured in the attack a speedy and full recovery.