Officials were quick to condemn the murder of Russia's ambassador to Turkey at an Ankara art gallery.
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia offers deepest condolences to Russia over the vicious assassination in Ankara and condemns in the strongest terms the brutal attack against a diplomat. The Foreign Ministry mourns together with the family, friends and colleagues of Ambassador Andrey Karlov at this tragic hour," a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Even as details of the killing continued to be gathered, news broke in Germany of 12 people killed and more than 50 injured when a truck ploughed into a Christmas market in a suspected terror attack reminiscent of the Nice attack a year ago.
Within minutes, the ministry had set up telephone hotlines in both Germany and at the ministry itself for people seeking information about loved ones, along with retweeting advice from the German authorities.
Berlīnes centrā noticis iesp.terorakts. Lūdzam sekot policijas norād.,palikt mājās.ĀM dežūrtālr +371 26337711, vestn.dežūrt +49 15118470186 https://t.co/irqW74uZSA
— Latvia in Germany (@LettlandinDE) December 19, 2016
President Raimonds Vejonis expressed his condolences over both incidents, underlining Latvia's solidarity with Germany..
Strongly condemn terror attack against Russian Ambassador in Turkey. Condolences to #Russia over the death of Andrei Karlov.
— Valsts prezidents (@Rigas_pils) December 19, 2016
Solidarity with #Germany over terror act in Berlin. Strongly condemn terror against civilians. Condolences to the relatives of victims.
— Valsts prezidents (@Rigas_pils) December 19, 2016
