MINSK, 25 July (BelTA) - Irritation over the behavior of children on the playground could have been the reason for the personal feud that led to an attack on the Belarusian diplomat in Turkey, Belarus Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei told the media, BelTA has learned.
As it has been reported earlier, Advisor to the Belarusian Embassy in Ankara Alexandr Poganshev was attacked last night while returning home with his son in Ankara's Oran district. In the doorway his neighbor, a retired military officer, mentally unstable, fired at him several times, then committed suicide.
“A thorough investigation is underway. It will give us a complete picture of what has happened. In our view, there are no political motives,” Vladimir Makei said. Probably, it was irritation over children who played on the playground. Perhaps this was the reason for the emotional outburst, he added.
He again stressed that is it too early to make any conclusions until the investigation is over and did not confirm the information circulated by some mass media about the involvement of the attacker's sister. He also thanked the Turkish side for swift response and prompt assistance. The diplomat was immediately taken to hospital and successfully operated on. His condition is getting better. “Four bullets did not affect vital organs. In the afternoon he may be taken out of intensive care,” Vladimir Makei said.
Turkey's Interior Ministry has involved all appropriate agencies in the investigation. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu contacted Vladimir Makei and promised that every effort would be made to save the diplomat and to understand what happened.