The Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, who is also the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Henry Puna, today issued the following statement;
“As the flag state of the vessel Tuna 1, the Government of the Cook Islands sends to the family and friends of 2nd officer İlker BÜYÜKDERE our heart-felt condolences, following the tragic consequences of the unlawful and unjustified attack on the ship by military forces apparently from Libya.Together with the Turkish authorities, there will be an exhaustive inquiry. This is utterly unacceptable to the peace-loving nation of the Cook Islands. Whatever the result of the enquiries to follow, this is devastating news for 2nd officer İlker BÜYÜKDERE’s loved ones, and our thoughts and prayers go out to them.”
Mike Mitchell ; Chairman of Maritime Cook IslandsCem Ertem ; Deputy Registrar of Maritime Cook Islands for Turkey
“As the flag state of the vessel Tuna 1, the Government of the Cook Islands sends to the family and friends of 2nd officer İlker BÜYÜKDERE our heart-felt condolences, following the tragic consequences of the unlawful and unjustified attack on the ship by military forces apparently from Libya.Together with the Turkish authorities, there will be an exhaustive inquiry. This is utterly unacceptable to the peace-loving nation of the Cook Islands. Whatever the result of the enquiries to follow, this is devastating news for 2nd officer İlker BÜYÜKDERE’s loved ones, and our thoughts and prayers go out to them.”
Mike Mitchell ; Chairman of Maritime Cook IslandsCem Ertem ; Deputy Registrar of Maritime Cook Islands for Turkey