Speeches
U.S. Consul General Sharon A. Wiener's Remarks in Honor of the Fallen Turkish Police Officers
U.S. Consulate General, Istinye
July 10, 2008
My dear colleagues and friends,
We are gathered here today as a consulate family for a sad occasion, to mourn the deaths of three brave members of the Turkish National Police, Nedim Çalık, Mehmet Önder Saçmalıoğlu and Erdal Öztas, who died bravely in the line of duty yesterday defending the Consulate General and all of us. We express our deepest condolences to the families of the three Turkish police officers killed, as well as their colleagues who were wounded in the attack. We are grateful for their sacrifice and service. The Turkish police responded quickly and effectively. We deeply appreciate their courage in protecting the American Consulate.
I would also like to extend my appreciation for the heroism of our security team – the guard force, the Marines, and our Regional Security Officers – in face of very difficult circumstances and the professionalism and stoicism shown by all of the team at U.S. Consulate General Istanbul. And I know from my own experience that we are going to need to continue to draw on that professionalism and stoicism in the days and weeks ahead.
The United States condemns the terrorist attack that took place on our Consulate General. And we also appreciate Turkish President Gul’s condemnation of the attack and the support of Turkish officials in Ankara and Istanbul. Our countries will continue to stand firmly together to confront the threat of terrorism as we have done in the past.
In honor of those who have bravely given their lives, we are lowering the American flag and it will remain at half mast today.
Please join me in a moment of silence.
