Georgia saddened by tragic events in Turkey and Russia
By Gvantsa Gabekhadze
Monday, March 21
Georgia was saddened by two tragic incidents this week, one happening in Turkey, the other in Russia on March 19.
A suicide bomb attack at a shopping area in the Turkish city of Istanbul killed at least four people and left 36 others injured.
Responsibility for the attack has not been claimed yet, but the Turkish government has blamed Kurdish militants for previous attacks and has retaliated against them.
Meanwhile, a passenger jet has crashed in the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don, killing all 55 passengers and seven crew on board.
The FlyDubai Boeing 737-800, coming from Dubai, missed the runway as it attempted to land at 03:50 local time (00:50 GMT) on Saturday, BBC reported.
Poor visibility and high winds are being considered as a factor; an investigation into the crash is in progress.
Most of the victims were Russian. Four children were among the dead.
FlyDubai said 44 Russians, eight Ukrainians, two Indians and an Uzbek were killed.
Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili expressed sorrow and condolences over the two tragic incidents.
“The series of terrorist acts have turned into a terrible event having hit Turkey recently.
“I offer my condolences to the victims’ families and friends. I hope the Turkish people will find their strength and endure this tragedy. I believe the Turkish government will stop these terrible crimes together with the rest of the civilized world,” Kvirikashvili said about the terrorist attack in Turkey.
No Georgians were injured as a result of a blast.
“I would also like to express my deepest sorrow over the Rostov-on-Don plane crash. I would offer my condolences to the victims’ families and relatives. I also offer my condolences to the Russian people and wish them strength to overcome their grief,” the PM’s statement said.
Georgia’s President Giorgi Margvelashvili and other state officials also released special statements, condemning terrorism and offering their condolences to the families of victims.
