Iran condemns bomb blasts in southern Turkey

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Asia-Pacific Affairs Seyed Abbas Araqchi strongly condemned the recent terrorist explosions in a Southern Turkish city near the border with Syria. "This incident is a brutal terrorist crime and such crimes that target ordinary people are condemned wherever they occur," Araqchi said on Saturday. Araqchi offered condolences to the Turkish government and nation, and said, "Fighting terrorism is the common duty of all countries." "We hope that terrorism is uprooted in all countries in the region and the world through cooperation among governments," the Iranian diplomat added. Twin car bombs killed more than 40 people and injured over 100 others in the Turkish city of Reyhanli in Hatay province, near the Syrian border. Turkish Interior Minister Muammer Guler told NTV satellite network that the bombs had gone off near the city hall and post office. In February, 17 people were killed and 30 others injured after a minibus exploded at a crossing in Reyhanli.