HELSINKI, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- Finnish President Sauli Niinisto issued a statement on Sunday, strongly condemning the attack in Istanbul, Turkey.
"The attack targeting people who were celebrating the New Year is a cruel and horrifying start to the year of 2017," said Niinisto in the statement.
He said Finland strongly condemns terrorism.
The president also offered his condolences to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the death of the people in Istanbul.
A lone gunman sprayed bullets at the people celebrating new year at Istanbul's famous Reina nightclub late Saturday after killing a police officer. At least 39 people were confirmed dead, including both Turkish and foreign nationals.
