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EU condemns fatal attack in Istanbul

Xinhua, January 1, 2017 Adjust font size:

The European Union (EU) on Sunday strongly condemned a terrorist attack in Istanbul which killed at least 39 people.

"In my personal name and that of the whole European Commission, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to you and my solidarity with the victims and their loved ones," European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said in a statement to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

"It is our common responsibility to repel terrorism. Let me assure you and through you the people of Turkey that you can count on our continued support in this endeavor," he added.

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, along with Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, also extended condolences to Turkey and denounced the attack.

"We strongly condemn all acts of terrorism and confirm our continued commitment to working with the authorities of Turkey in preventing and combating these threats effectively,"they said in a joint statement.

A lone gunman sprayed bullets at the people celebrating new year at Istanbul's famous Reina nightclub late Saturday after killing a police officer. At least 39 people were confirmed dead, including both Turkish and foreign nationals.

Istanbul and other Turkish cities have come under a spate of deadly attacks over the past year, with the last one also hitting Besiktas on Dec. 10, in which twin suicide bombing attacks left 44 dead. Endtiem