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
