Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General

Ending of the Hostage Incident in Moscow

The Secretary-General is deeply relieved to learn of the ending of the hostage situation in the Melnikov Street Theatre in Moscow. As the Security Council affirmed on 24 October 2002, the taking of hostages was a heinous act of terrorism which cannot be justified by any circumstance. Action taken in Moscow this morning has ended this unconscionable situation.

The Secretary-General mourns for those whose lives were lost in this incident. He extends his deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones and his sympathy to those who were injured, and to their families. He also extends his condolences to the Government and people of the Russian Federation, and of other nations whose citizens may have lost their lives.