We are deeply saddened to learn that nine of our citizens lost their lives and twenty citizens injured in a fire that broke out on 3 February 2008 in a building inhabited by our citizens in Ludwigshafen in the State of Rheinland-Palatinate of the Federal Republic of Germany .

It is our expectation that the relevant German authorities, taking into consideration all possibilities, will carry out an extensive investigation and in case of an intentional act, the perpatrators will be apprehended and punished in a short time.

This incident has also been taken up in the discussions with the German Federal Minister of Interior Affairs Wolfgang Schauble who is in Ankara on an official visit. It was proposed that Turkish experts participate in the examinations at the site of the incident.

We extend our condolonces and deepest sympathy to the bereaved families, and wish speedy recovery to our citizens who were injured.