EU condemns raid on Turkish consulate in Mosul

BRUSSELS, June 13 (KUNA) -- The EU Friday reiterated its strong condemnation of the raid on the Turkish Consulate General in Mosul, as well as the taking hostage of 31 Turkish citizens in a power plant in the Gyarah region of Mosul.
"These abductions demonstrate the gravity of the security situation in Iraq, in particular in the Mosul area. 48 hours after the abduction of the Turkish Consul General and 49 staff and family members there is still no sign of their release," said Michael Mann, spokesman for EU High Representative Catherine Ashton, in a statement.
The EU fully supports Turkey's efforts to win its citizens' safe release and stands ready to help Turkey in this difficult time, he added. (end) nk.ibi