ANKARA, Nov 17: Turkey called again on Monday for a united international effort to combat terrorism and slammed unnamed nations for shedding “crocodile tears” over the deadly bombings on two Istanbul synagogues at the weekend.

“A joint platform to struggle against terrorism should be developed across the world,” Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan told reporters, highlighting in particular cooperation with the United States, Britain and other members of the European Union.

Mr Erdogan had said on Sunday that Turkish intelligence was investigating claims that al-Qaeda was behind the attacks that killed 24 people, but he did not elaborate on Monday.

“Those who committed this are not human, they are not Muslims... Turkey will continue to fight terrorism with determination to the very end,” Justice Minister Cemil Cicek told reporters after a cabinet meeting.

Cicek, who is also the government’s spokesman, declined to answer questions about the probe into Saturday’s bombings, which has been reportedly claimed by the Al Qaeda network.

Instead he delivered a tirade on what he said were double standards that nations apply to global terrorism and charged that some countries — which he refused to name — have long supported “terrorists” targeting Turkey.

“Turkey has long called for cooperation and a joint stance against terrorism... Unfortunately, Turkey has been left alone in its struggle against terrorism,” Cicek said.

He was referring mainly to separatist Kurdish rebels, who have waged a bloody 15-year war on the Ankara government, with the conflict claiming about 36,500 lives.

Cicek’s outburst also seemed to be aimed at Germany, which has so far declined to extradite to Turkey a notorious radical Islamist leader.

“Many countries have supported murderers shedding blood in Turkey, have provided them with training and logistical support and have protected them,” he said.

“Now after this carnage those countries, which are meanwhile sending messages of condolences, should come to terms with their conscience... Otherwise, they are just shedding crocodile tears.

“The terror which hit Turkey will sooner or later hit them as well,” he said.—AFP