World condemns attack, voice solidarity

Leaders from around the world condemned a terror attack at an Istanbul nightclub early on Jan. 1 that killed at least 39 people and injured 69 others.      
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences to his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the Kremlin said in a statement.    
  
Putin said it was "hard" to imagine a "more cynical" crime than the murder of innocent civilians during New Year's holiday. 

"But, the terrorists are absolutely alien to the concept of human morality," he added.      

Putin said common duty would be responding "decisively" to terrorist aggression.

White House spokesman Eric Schulz said President Barack Obama "expressed condolences for the innocent lives lost, directed his team to offer inappropriate assistance to the Turkish authorities, as necessary and keep him updated as warranted."      

Obama "reaffirmed the support of the U.S. for Turkey, our NATO ally, in our shared determination to confront and defeat all forms of terrorism," National Security Council (NSC) spokesperson Ned Price said.

U.S. State Department spokesman Mark Toner said Washington "strongly condemns the terrorist attack."

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg posted a Twitter message, lamenting a "tragic start to 2017 in Istanbul".      

"My thoughts are with those affected by the attack on people celebrating New Year and with the Turkish people," Stoltenberg said.      

Pope Francis departed from his prepared text in his New Year's address to condemn the attack.

"Unfortunately, violence has stricken even in this night of good wishes and hope. Pained, I express my closeness to the Turkish people. I pray for the many victims and for the wounded and for...