Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed her great sorrow and deep shock at the news on Saturday (10 October) that what is expected to be an act of terrorism had cost so many lives in Ankara. "I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to you," she said.

The attack on a peace rally in Ankara on Saturday cost at least 97 people their lives, while over 500 more were injured in the blast, according to the latest figures.

Attack on the cohesion of Turkish society

"If it is confirmed that this was a terrorist attack, then it was a particularly cowardly act that directly targeted civic rights, democracy and peace," Angela Merkel continued. "Most of the victims were there for a rally to promote reconciliation and non-violence." An attack on this crowd was, she said, a targeted attack on the cohesion of society. It was an attempt to intimidate, to sow the seeds of fear.

"I am convinced that the Turkish government and Turkish society as a whole stand together in this moment and that they will respond to terrorism with resoluteness and with democracy." She assured the Turkish Prime Minister that Germany was with him in thought and with best wishes. "Please pass on my condolences to the families of the victims. I wish those injured a speedy recovery."

Further escalation must be prevented, says Federal Foreign Minister

Federal Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier also condemned the terrorist attack on peaceful demonstrators in the strongest possible terms. This is also an attack on the democratic process in Turkey, he declared.

All groups in Turkey who want peaceful coexistence and reconciliation in society are now called upon to stand shoulder to shoulder and to prevent further escalation, he continued. "I trust that the forces of democracy which are deeply rooted in Turkish society will withstand this latest attack."

Angela Merkel to fly to Turkey on Sunday

Next Sunday, the Chancellor will visit Ankara for walks with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu, announced federal government spokesperson Steffen Seibert on Monday (12 October).

It seems safe to assume that the talks will essentially focus on the joint fight against terrorism, the situation in Syria, and ways of managing the refugee crisis, said Steffen Seibert. German-Turkish issues will also be discussed. After the devastating attack, the Chancellor spoke by telephone with President Erdoğan at the weekend.