Turkey’s top cleric visits New Zealand after attacks

By Recep Sakar

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (AA) - The head of Turkey’s Religious Affairs Directorate (Diyanet) arrived in Christchurch, New Zealand on Monday to extend his condolences to the victims of last month's twin terror attacks.

Ali Erbas was welcomed by Turkey's Ambassador to New Zealand Ahmet Ergin.

Erbas started his round of visits with Christchurch's Mayor Lianne Dalziel.

Pledging loyalty to the government and people of New Zealand, Erbas said: "Even though there are long distances between us, each of us is a world citizen and we need to make peace together."

"We strongly condemn the murderer who killed our brothers, the forces and organizations behind him," Erbas added.

At least 50 Muslim worshippers were massacred and as many injured in an alleged white supremacist terror attack by a man on two mosques in Christchurch on March 15.

*Writing by Zehra Nur Duz