Georgia Concerned over Murder of Russian Ambassador to Turkey

TBILISI – Georgian leaders and politicians are saddened by the murder of Russia’s Ambassador to Turkey, Andrei Karlov, who was shot dead on Monday at a photo exhibition in Ankara.

Georgia’s Prime Minister, Giorgi Kvirikashvili, condemned the attack and expressed his deep concern over the death of the Russian diplomat.

“We are witnessing unprecedented violence and confrontation in the 21st century. We stand by the civilized world, and we will never give in to this extreme brutality. Our goal is peace in the region, and we will spare no effort to promote stability and development”, the PM’s statement reads. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mikheil Janelidze, also addressed the attack in a tweet.

“I strongly condemn killing of Amb #Karlov & extend deepest condolences 2his family. Any act of violence against diplomats is deplorable,” his statement reads.

Moreover, Georgia’s main opposition party, the United National Movement (UNM), believes joint efforts are necessary to prevent such incidents in the future.

"Violence and terrorism must be condemned. This is a very big challenge for the civilized world today and, of course, we all should unite against it,” Elene Khoshtaria, an MP with UNM, is quoted as saying.

The Russian ambassador to Turkey was shot in the back eight times as he gave a speech at an Ankara art gallery on Monday. He died from his wounds. The assassin is an off-duty police officer, apparently motivated by Russian involvement in the ongoing battle for Aleppo.

CNN reports that the assassination comes at a time of improved relations and increased cooperation between Russia and Turkey. Leaders of both countries have vowed to not let the assassination cast a shadow over that friendship. It also comes during a pivotal moment in Syria, where Russia has been instrumental in President Bashar al-Assad's push to retake rebel-held parts of Syria.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said the killing was a clear "provocation" aimed at undermining not just the normalization of Russia-Turkish relations but the "peace process in Syria" promoted by Russia, Turkey, Iran and other countries.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan echoed Putin's sentiments, saying the assassination was intended to destroy the normalization of Turkey-Russian relations.

Reuters reports that the attacker was identified as 22-year-old Mevlut Mert Altintas, who had worked for Ankara riot police for two and a half years.

He was killed by special forces in the aftermath of the attack.

By Thea Morrison

Photo: The Russian Ambassador Karlov speaking at the photo exhibition before being shot

Source: CNN