We should not abandon our claim for peace

I condemn in the strongest terms the atrocious massacre that took place in Istanbul Saturday. I wish God's mercy upon all our people who lost their lives in the attack, and offer my condolences to and wish patience for their relatives. I wish a rapid recovery to all our injured citizens.

I call upon all our society, our people to stand together in hope around opposition to violence, and [feelings of] peace, sisterhood and brotherhood, democracy and freedom.

However difficult our circumstances, we should not abandon our claim for peace, to which we attribute sacred value, and we should not lose our hopes. We must succeed in overcoming this difficult period with solidarity to guide our country out of these turbulent waters.