Beijing, Oct 26: China expressed relief today that the Moscow hostage-taking crisis had come to an end, and indicated it was confident Russian President Vladimir Putin will be able to "maintain social harmony and order."
"Moscow's hostage crisis has reached a resolution. A majority of the hostages have been saved. We express gratification for this and express deep sympathy and condolences to the victims of the terrorist incident," Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said in a statement.
He added that China was firmly opposed to any kind of terrorism and was willing to work with other countries in the world to step up co-operation in the international fight against terrorism. "The Chinese side believes that under President Putin's leadership, Russia will continue to maintain social harmony and stability," Liu said. Israeli Prime Minister Ariel also praised Putin today for ending the hostage stand-off, saying there could be "no compromise with terrorism".



"President Putin has again proved his courage and firmness in the fight against the terrorist monster," Sharon said in a statement issued by his office.



"It is a perfect example that all civilised countries should follow because there can be no compromise with terrorism," the hardline Premier added, praising the "perfect military operation that saved the lives of many innocent civilians taken hostage by war criminals."



Sixty-seven hostages died as Russian special forces stormed the theatre to end a crisis in which Chechen rebels had taken more than 700 theatre-goers hostage, Deputy Interior Minister Vladimir Vasilyev said.



Bureau Report