Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on the hostage-taking incident in Moscow

The Secretary-General is following with utmost concern the events unfolding in the Melnikov Street theatre in Moscow. He extends his heartfelt sympathy to the Government and people of the Russian Federation at this very difficult time, and urges the perpetrators to release all the hostages immediately and without pre-conditions. No cause can justify the use of force against innocent civilians.