NZ attacks to be remembered as great tragedy: Envoy

By Dilara Hamit</p> <p>ANKARA (AA) – Undersecretary of New Zealand's Embassy in Ankara said Thursday the terrorist attack that killed 50 people will be remembered as a great tragedy in the country's history.</p> <p>&quot;New Zealand is one of the most multicultural countries in the world,” said Tim Breese. “Our diversity is something we value and celebrate, it is who we are.”</p> <p>At a forum organized by Ankara-based Institute of Strategic Thinking (SDE), speakers discussed the terror attack in Christchurch in terms of New Zealand's approach, terrorism, Islamophobia and cyber terrorism.</p> <p>&quot;This attack strikes against our core values,&quot; Breese added.</p> <p>He said New Zealand was grieving for the last two weeks.</p> <p>Breese said the Muslim community are friends, colleagues and neighbors of the people of New Zealand.</p> <p>&quot;We are them and they are us,&quot; he quoted Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's words.</p> <p>&quot;I would like to thank Vice President Fuat Oktay and Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu for their visit to New Zealand and also visiting the victims with their family,&quot; he said.</p> <p>Breese was also thankful for the Muslim world and other countries for expressing their gratitude and support.</p> <p> The head of the Institute of Strategic Thinking (SDE), Muhammet Savas Kafkasyali, said that there were three targets in the attack — the first New Zealand, the second Muslims and the third Islam.</p> <p>&quot;New Zealand has managed the crisis in the best possible way, the prime minister has shown a great attitude as a politician,&quot; he added.</p> <p>In this respect, Kafkasyali said New Zealand did not get much damage because of the attitude it took after the attacks.</p> <p>Selim Argun, deputy head of Turkey’s Religious Affairs Directorate, emphasized that religion and security are being mentioned together.</p> <p>&quot;The increase of religious attacks in recent years is inseparable from religious indoctrination, orientalist view and far rightist ideas,&quot; he said.</p> <p>Argun added New Zealand government's sensitivity to the massacre would not be forgotten.</p> <p>SDE defense and security coordinator Mithat Isik, said: &quot;All countries should be fighting against terrorism otherwise its inevitable&quot;. </p> <p>At least 50 Muslims were killed and as many injured on March 15 when a terrorist — identified as Australian-born Brenton Tarrant, 28 — entered the Al Noor and Linwood mosques in Christchurch and shot worshippers in cold blood, including four children younger than 18.</p> <p>

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