November 21, 2003, Washington, DC: Four different terrorist attacks in Istanbul claimed the lives of more than 50 and injured over 750 innocent people on November 15 and 20. British Consulate and HSBC Bank headquarters were attacked yesterday, just days after the bombing of two synagogues over the weekend. We condemn these heinous attacks in the strongest terms. We send our condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and deepest sympathies to the injured people in these attacks. We are also deeply sorrowed by the death of a good friend, neighbor, and a guest, British Consul-General Roger Short.

These vicious attacks are clearly aimed at values of democracy, peace, and tolerance. Those who perpetrate these acts should know it well that despite their long-time sufferings from terrorism, the Turkish people will neither give up their commitment to these values nor change their stance towards the events in their region and the world. We will not bow to such violent threats and stand resolute in condemning acts of terrorism on every occasion.