Officials condemn bomb attack in southeast Turkey

By Ozgur Ayaydin and Anil Bagrik

DIYARBAKIR/MERSIN, Turkey (AA) - The ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party deputies have "strongly condemned" Monday's bomb attack in southeastern Turkey, which injured at least 48 people.

AK Party deputy chairman Mehdi Eker said: "We all have to say 'stop' to these traitors with our stance, statements, and prayers [against terrorism]."

His remarks came at a gathering in the southeastern Diyarbakir province where he went to celebrate Eid al-Adha which started Monday.

Eker pointed out that residents of the region had stopped believing in the members of the PKK terrorist organization "because the public wants peace and brotherhood".

Development Minister Lutfi Elvan also criticized the fact that the bomb attack came on the first day of Eid al-Adha, or the feast of sacrifice -- one of the two most important holidays in the Islamic calendar.

Elvan was in the southern Mersin province exchanging Eid greetings with officials, NGOs, civilians and the media.

A bomb-laden vehicle exploded at 10.50 a.m. local time (0750GMT) near the police station in front of the AK Party building, injuring 48 people, including two police officers, Van Governor's Office has confirmed.

Two of the injured were in critical condition, Van police chief Suat Ekici said earlier.

The blast heavily damaged the AK Party building and a nearby hotel. Windows of nearby houses and storefronts were also shattered in the blast.