UPDATES WITH NEW STATEMENTS FROM ERDOGAN
By Jeyhun Aliyev, Vakkas Dogantekin and Etem Geylan
ANKARA / ISTANBUL (AA) - President Recep Tayyip Erdogan strongly condemned two deadly mosque shootings in New Zealand on Friday.
"I strongly condemn the terror attack against the Al Noor Mosque in New Zealand and Muslim worshippers," Erdogan said on Twitter.
Erdogan wished God's mercy upon the victims of the shooting and a speedy recovery to the wounded.
"On behalf of my country, I offer my condolences to the Islamic world and the people of New Zealand, who have been targeted by this deplorable act -- the latest example of rising racism and Islamophobia," he said.
Speaking at a ceremony in Istanbul, Erdogan said: “It is obvious that the New Zealand shootings were a result of long planning and motivation; it cannot be brushed off as impulsive behavior.”
Calling on the world, particularly western countries, to take urgent measures against Islamophobia, Erdogan added: “This homicidal tendency, also attacking my country and I, is spreading across the West like cancer.”
At least 49 people were killed when gunmen targeted two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand Police said. Three people were arrested following the shooting.
Writing By Zehra Nur Duz