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The Russian Ambassador to Turkey Andrei Karlov speaks a gallery in Ankara Monday Dec. 19, 2016. A gunman opened fire on Russia's ambassador to Turkey Karlov at a photo exhibition on Monday. The Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman said he was hospitalized with a gunshot wound. The gunman is seen at rear on the left. (AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)

A man gestures after shooting Andrei Karlov, the Russian Ambassador to Turkey, on the floor, at a photo gallery in Ankara, Turkey, Monday, Dec. 19, 2016. (AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)

An unnamed gunman gestures after shooting the Russian Ambassador to Turkey, Andrei Karlov, at a photo gallery in Ankara, Turkey, Monday, Dec. 19, 2016. A gunman opened fire on Russia's ambassador to Turkey at a photo exhibition on Monday. (AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)

People react after the the Russian Ambassador to Turkey, Andrei Karlov, was shot at a photo gallery in Ankara, Turkey, Monday, Dec. 19, 2016. (AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)

An unnamed gunman gestures after shooting the Russian Ambassador to Turkey, Andrei Karlov, at a photo gallery in Ankara, Turkey, Monday, Dec. 19, 2016. (AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)

An unnamed gunman gestures after shooting the Russian Ambassador to Turkey, Andrei Karlov, at a photo gallery in Ankara, Turkey, Monday, Dec. 19, 2016. The Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman said he was hospitalized with a gunshot wound. (AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)

An unnamed gunman gestures after shooting the Russian Ambassador to Turkey, Andrei Karlov, at a photo gallery in Ankara, Turkey, Monday, Dec. 19, 2016. (AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)

An unnamed gunman holds the gun after shooting the Russian Ambassador to Turkey, Andrei Karlov, at a photo gallery in Ankara, Turkey, Monday, Dec. 19, 2016. (AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)

A child is held after the the Russian Ambassador to Turkey, Andrei Karlov, was shot at a photo gallery in Ankara, Turkey, Monday, Dec. 19, 2016. (AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)

An unnamed gunman gestures after shooting the Russian Ambassador to Turkey, Andrei Karlov, at a photo gallery in Ankara, Turkey, Monday, Dec. 19, 2016. (AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)

A man gestures near to Andrei Karlov on ground, the Russian Ambassador to Turkey at a photo gallery in Ankara, Turkey, Monday, Dec. 19, 2016.(AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)</s>"I think this assassination really speaks to some really strong undercurrents that are going on now and we'll have to see how this plays out," said Hill, who served as the US ambassador to Iraq in 2009 and 2010.

In the aftermath of the assassination, Turkey blamed opposition cleric Fethullah Gülen and tried to place blame on the United States for allowing Gulen to live here. US Department of State spokesperson John Kirby called that "absolutely ridiculous."

Hearing Kirby's word choice, Erin Burnett asked Hill if this was an indication of the direction things are headed.

"Could this escalate, Ambassador?" asked the host of "Erin Burnett OutFront."

"I think this can escalate" - Fmr. U.S. Amb. Christopher Hill on the assassination of Russia's ambassador to Turkey https://t.co/EmYbFvKhLA — OutFrontCNN (@OutFrontCNN) December 21, 2016 Noting that " 'absolutely ridiculous' isn't normally a diplomatic term of art," Hill replied. "I think this can escalate. I think what is clear is that something is happening in Turkey, especially with this [President Recep Tayyip) Erdoğan regime, especially after the coup attempt." Karlov was killed at an art gallery in Ankara, shot by a gunman who shouted "Do not forget Aleppo!"</s>*ForMin Comanescu sends letter of condolence to Russian counterpart after Ankara assasination of Russian Ambassador

The Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lazar Comanescu, has addressed on Monday evening a letter of condolence to his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, regarding the attack in Ankara that left the Russian Federation’s Ambassador to Turkey Andrey Karlov dead, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) announced.

“The Romanian Minister’s message emphasizes the firm condemnation by Romania of this abominable act directed against an ambassador and the importance of efforts to combat terrorist acts and of bringing those guilty to justice,” the quoted source mentions.

Minister Lazar Comanescu also addressed condolences to the family of the victim and expressed his solidarity with the Russian people in these troubled times.

DefMin Motoc sends condolences to family of Russian Ambassador killed in Ankara

National Defence Minister Mihnea Motoc sends condolences to the family of Russian Ambassador killed in Ankara, Andrey Karlov.

“A bloody evening yesterday, with renewed fears in front of resurgent, borderless, limitless terrorism. In Ankara, Russia’s Ambassador Andrey Karlov falls under the the bullets of endless hatred. Condolences to the mourning family and solidarity with the Russian people at time of great trial. Even harsher times are coming…,” Motoc wrote on his Facebook page on Tuesday.

Aurescu: What happened in Berlin – a tragedy, assassination of Ambasador Karlov – a revolting act

Presidential adviser Bogdan Aurescu sends his condolences on behalf of the Presidential Administration following the tragedy in Berlin, stating at the same time, that the assassination of the Russian Ambassador in Ankara, Andrey Karlov, is a “revolting act”.

“I would like to express, on behalf of the Presidential Administration, sincere condolences to the grieving families, to the German authorities and the German people for the innocent victims, dead and wounded, in the Christmas Market of Berlin. What occurred in Berlin, in Breitscheidplatz, represents an unimaginable tragedy,” Aurescu told Agerpres.

He showed that Europe is for the second time, in mourning, after the Ankara attack to which the Russian Federation Ambassador to Turkey fell victim.

“The assassination of a diplomat, who, by the definition of his profession, is a person of negotiation, dedicated to attaining the objective of maintaining peace and international security through peaceful means, in opposition with any acts of violence, is a revolting act,” said Aurescu, specifying that Romania supports the grieving family and the Russian authorities.

On Monday evening, a truck ploughed through a Christmas market in Berlin, hitting numerous visitors, international news agencies report. According to the German police, the number of deceased people reached 12. A number of 48 people, some with serious injuries, were taken to hospital, EFE points out.

Also on Monday, the Russian Ambassador in Ankara, Andrey Karlov, was killed in an armed attack that was labeled terrorist by the Foreign Affairs Ministry in Moscow, international news agencies inform. Karlov was shot in the back by a gunned man while he was delivering a speech at the opening of a photography exhibition about Russia.</s>The gunman shouted "do not forget Aleppo" before he shot Andrey Karlov, who was giving a speech at the opening ceremony of a photo exhibit in Ankara.

The shooting happened in front of a crowd and was captured on video and by several photographers.

Karlov was speaking at the opening of an exhibition entitled, "Russia from Kaliningrad to Kamchatka," which was organized by Russian embassy and Ankara municipality.

Andrey Karlov (R) was giving a speech during a visit to the Modern Art Center in Ankara, Turkey. The gallery is located in an upper middle-class area of Ankara, where there are luxury hotels, embassies and is near the Turkish parliament. The gunman, Mevlut Mert Altintas, was an off-duty police officer, according to Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu. AP photographer Burhan Ozbilici caught the moment of the shooting on camera. An unnamed gunman walked in and shouted about Aleppo as he opened fire, according to video posted on social media. He has been neutralized, Turkey's official Anadolu news agency reported, but it's unclear if he was killed or captured by police. The Russian ambassador is shown on the floor after the gunman shot him. The unnamed gunman gestures after the shooting. People in the gallery react after the shooting. Turkish police secure the area outside where the Russian Ambassador was killed. Outside the art gallery in Ankara on December 19, 2016.</s>ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — An Associated Press photographer says a gunman has fired shots at the Russian ambassador to Turkey. The ambassador’s condition wasn’t immediately known.

The attack occurred Monday at a photo exhibition in the capital Ankara, where the ambassador was making an address.

Photographs from the scene showed a man lying on the ground with an armed man dressed in a suit standing near him.</s>"I think this assassination really speaks to some really strong undercurrents that are going on now and we'll have to see how this plays out," said Hill, who served as the US ambassador to Iraq in 2009 and 2010.

In the aftermath of the assassination, Turkey blamed opposition cleric Fethullah Gulen and tried to place blame on the United States for allowing Gulen to live here. US Department of State spokesperson John Kirby called that "absolutely ridiculous."

Hearing Kirby's word choice, Erin Burnett asked Hill if this was an indication of the direction things are headed.

"Could this escalate, Ambassador?" asked the host of "Erin Burnett OutFront."

"I think this can escalate" - Fmr. U.S. Amb. Christopher Hill on the assassination of Russia's ambassador to Turkey https://t.co/EmYbFvKhLA — OutFrontCNN (@OutFrontCNN) December 21, 2016 Noting that " 'absolutely ridiculous' isn't normally a diplomatic term of art," Hill replied. "I think this can escalate. I think what is clear is that something is happening in Turkey, especially with this [President Recep Tayyip) Erdoğan regime, especially after the coup attempt." Karlov was killed at an art gallery in Ankara, shot by a gunman who shouted "Do not forget Aleppo!"</s>The ambassador, Andrei Karlov, was several minutes into his speech at the embassy-sponsored exhibition in the capital, Ankara, when the gunman fired at least eight shots, according to an AP photographer in the audience. The attacker also smashed several of the photos hung for the exhibition. There was panic as people ran for cover. NTV said three other people were wounded in the attack.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Karlov was shot “when an unidentified assailant opened chaotic gunfire during a public event in Ankara.” She later confirmed he had died. She said Russia was in contact with Turkish officials about the incident.

Ankara Mayor Melih Gokcek told reporters outside the exhibition center that the “heinous” attack aimed to disrupt newly-re-established relations between Turkey and Russia.

U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby said U.S. officials were aware of reports about the shooting.

“We condemn this act of violence, whatever its source,” Kirby said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.”</s>ANKARA, Turkey: Turkish authorities were on Tuesday holding six people over the assassination of the Russian ambassador to Ankara by an off-duty policeman, as Russia urgently sought answers over the murder.

With the Turkish capital already on high alert after a string of attacks this year, an individual also fired outside the US embassy in Ankara overnight in a separate incident.

President Vladimir Putin declared “we have to know who directed the hand of the killer” and the Kremlin said a Russian investigative team were flying to Turkey to probe the murder.

An unprecedented three-way meeting between the foreign ministers of Turkey, Russia and Iran in Moscow over the Syria crisis was meanwhile set to go ahead despite the killing.

Ambassador Andrei Karlov was shot four times in the back by Turkish policeman Mevlut Mert Altintas, 22, as he opened an exhibition of Russian photography in Ankara.

Dramatic images showed Karlov stumble and then crash to the ground on his back as the attacker brandished his gun at terrified onlookers who cowered behind cocktail tables.

The gunman shouted “Allahu Akbar” (“God is greatest”) and then said all those responsible for what has happened in Syria and Aleppo would be held accountable.

‘Carrying police ID’

 Altintas had set off the metal detector security check when he entered the exhibition in central Ankara as he was carrying a gun, the pro-government Sabah daily said.

But after showing his police ID, he was waved through and allowed to proceed.

The Hurriyet daily added that Altintas, who had worked for Ankara’s anti-riot police for the last two and a half years, had stayed at a nearby hotel to prepare for the attack.

It said Altintas, who was off duty at the time, had put on a suit and tie and shaved at the hotel before heading to the exhibition centre.

He was later killed by police after a shootout that lasted over 15 minutes.

Altintas was born in the town of Soke in Aydin province in western Turkey and attended a special school for training future policemen.

Six people have been detained over the attack, including the sister, mother, father and uncle of Altintas, Turkish media said.

The mayor of Ankara, Melih Gokcek, known for his outspoken comments, speculated on his official Twitter account that the attacker may be linked to the group of Fethullah Gulen, blamed for the July 15 coup aimed at toppling President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

His suggestion has yet to be echoed by other officials but was repeated in the pro-government press, which claimed what Ankara terms the Fethullah Terror Organization (FETO) was behind the attack.

“An attack on friendship by treacherous FETO,” said Sabah. “A bullet from FETO,” added the Star daily.

The mainstream Hurriyet said that authorities were investigating the assassin’s possible links to the Gulen movement.

They were particularly focusing on friends Altintas may have had at the police academy, it added.

Gulen, who denies having any link to the failed coup bid, issued a statement condemning “in the strongest terms this heinous act of terror.”

Hours after the assassination, an individual fired outside the main gate of the US embassy in Ankara, the mission said in a statement. It said no one was hurt and the individual was detained.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said a group of Russian investigators were flying out to Turkey to probe the murder in a move agreed by Putin and Erdogan.

The corpse of Karlov was in an Ankara morgue and would be flown back to Moscow, Turkish media reports said.</s>Andrei Karlov speaks at a photo exhibition in Ankara minutes before he was assassinated. | Photo Credit: AP

India on Tuesday condemned the assassination of the Russia Ambassador to Turkey, Andrei Karlov, in Ankara, saying violence and terrorism could never have a justification.

The External Affairs Ministry issued the statement hours after the envoy was shot dead while delivering a speech in an art gallery in the Turkish capital.

“India strongly condemns the tragic assassination of the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Turkey. We are deeply saddened and shocked by this dastardly act. We offer our condolences to the family of Ambassador Andrei Karlov and share their pain and grief,” a Ministry statement said.

The Ministry confirmed that the Indian Ambassador to Ankara was not present in the art gallery at the time of the shooting, and all Indian diplomats in the Turkish capital were safe.

Prominent members of India’s diplomatic community paid rich tributes to the Ambassador at the Russian Embassy here, where a condolence book was opened on Tuesday.</s>ANKARA: The United States on Tuesday closed its missions to Turkey for the day after a shooting incident overnight outside the American embassy in Ankara that followed the assassination of the Russian ambassador in the Turkish capital.

“An individual approached the US Embassy Ankara main gate and discharged a firearm,” the embassy said in a statement, adding no one was hurt and the individual was detained.

As a result, the embassy and consulates in Istanbul and Adana were closed for normal operations, it added.

The incident took place at 3:50 a.m. (0050 GMT) Tuesday, hours after a Turkish policeman shot dead Russian ambassador Andrei Karlov as he was opening a photography exhibition.

The US embassy is located in Ankara directly on the other side of the street from the arts center where the shooting took place in the Turkish capital.

The United States has repeatedly warned its citizens of security risks in Turkey after a string of attacks blamed on Kurdish militants and jihadists this year.

“The US Mission reminds US citizens to review personal security plans” and to “maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security,” it said. AFP
Six people are arrested in Ankara for alleged involvement in the murder of Andrei Karlov, the Russian ambassador to Turkey.