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Putin appeals to join efforts in fight against terrorism

"Efforts need to be joined in the struggle against this evil," Putin said. "We will be efficient only when we battle it together."

MOSCOW, October 10. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin called the terrorist attacks that hit Turkey on Saturday a provocation, he said in an interview with the television host, Vladimir Solovyov, an excerpt of which was aired on Saturday.

"What happened in Turkey - I will use an opportunity to offer my condolences to the Turkish nation and Turkey's president - is certainly, a daring terrorist attack, a crime with numerous victims and of course, an attempt to destabilise the situation in the country friendly to us. Moreover, it took place during the electoral campaign," Putin said. "Actually, it is a clear provocation."

Along with this, Putin is confident that joint efforts are needed to battle terrorism effectively.

"Efforts need to be joined in the struggle against this evil," Putin said. "We will be efficient only when we battle it together."

Earlier on Saturday, two bombs went off in a crowd of activists of trade unions and public organisations who were gathering to hold in Ankara a rally for peace and against Kurdish terrorists.

Turkey’s health ministry said that the death toll reached 86. Over 200 people were wounded in the attack, with nine police among them. Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu declared a three-day mourning, dubbing the terrorist attack as the attack on "Turkish democracy.".