Commenting on the terrorist attack in Ankara, that killed at least 36 people, the S&D vice-president for foreign affairs, neighbourhood policy and enlargement, Knut Fleckenstein MEP, said:

"On behalf of the S&D Group I would firstly like to extend my deepest condolences to the families of those killed in the latest terrorist attack in the centre of Ankara, Turkey. We wish a speedy recovery to those injured.

"We condemn with force this attack but also all forms of terrorism. We reaffirm our support of the Turkish government in combatting the shared threat of terrorism. Of course any action to combat terrorism must be carried out with full respect for human rights, civil liberties and the rule of law."

S&D MEP and EP rapporteur on Turkey, Kati Piri added:

"We mourn with the Turkish people and fully condemn last night's horrific terrorist attack in Ankara. We express our condolences to the victims' friends and families and we hope for full recovery for the many injured who still lie in hospital."