The President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Ilkka Kanerva (MP, Finland) issued the following statement on Saturday’s deadly blasts in Ankara, which targeted a rally calling for an end to violence with Kurdish separatists.

"I deplore in the strongest terms today’s attacks in Ankara, which took the lives of innocent Turkish citizens aiming to exercise their right to freedom of assembly and freedom of expression. This act of terror was not only an attack on those at the scene, but an attack on those very freedoms. I urge the authorities to conduct a swift and transparent investigation into these events and to hold those responsible fully accountable". 

“I also note that the HDP party had supported the rally and am concerned by any acts that could serve to intimidate supporters of that or any party, especially ahead of the elections in several weeks’ time. The Turkish government and all political forces must do their utmost to develop a society and political culture that fully respects differing voices and interests and promotes inclusiveness,” said President Kanerva.