Russia, Turkey Should Restore Communication Channels to Prevent Terrorism

The recent Istanbul terrorist attack proves the need for the revival of communication channels between Russia and Turkey on counterterrorism, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The recent terrorist attack in Istanbul proves the importance of responding to information from other countries about such threats and the need for the revival of communication channels between Russia and Turkey, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday.

Three blasts hit the International Ataturk Airport in Istanbul on Tuesday, leaving over 40 people dead and more than 230 injured. Turkish media reported on Friday that two of the three suicide bombers were believed to have Russian passports.

"Communication channels with Turkey, with the Turkish side have not worked recently, and now they are to be revived and restarted, but it once again underscores the importance of maintaining such channels of information [exchange] and, more importantly, the need for reactions to signals sent to each other," Peskov said.

Russia has consistently conveyed information about persons who are suspected of involvement in terrorism, the spokesman said, answering a question on whether Russian President Vladimir Putin had instructed that information be gathered on the alleged Istanbul suicide bombers given the fact that two of them reportedly held Russian citizenship.

Following the blasts in Istanbul, Turkish media reported that the terrorist act was masterminded by a Russian citizen of Chechen origin, Ahmed Chatayev, who had been long wanted by the Russian authorities for terrorism-related offenses but escaped to Europe and avoided extradition to Russia after being granted asylum.

Chatayev's involvement in the terrorist attack in Istanbul has not been officially confirmed yet.