Erdogan extends condolences over fire in Azeri capital

By Sinan Uslu

ANKARA

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday conveyed his condolences to Azeri President Ilham Aliyev following a fire in a drug abuse treatment center in the capital that claimed at least 30 lives last week, according to presidential sources.

Expressing "deep sorrow" over the incident, Erdogan wished Allah’s mercy upon those who lost their lives and speedy recovery for the injured, said sources on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

The two leaders also discussed bilateral relations during their phone call, sources added.

On Friday, a fire at a state-run drug abuse treatment center in Azerbaijan’s capital claimed at least 30 lives and injured many others in Baku’s Hatayi district.