OSCE Chairman horrified at brutal terrorist act on school in North Ossetia

SOFIA, 4 September 2004 - OSCE Chairman-in-Office Solomon Passy offered his sincere condolences to the Russian people over the brutal terrorist act which led to the loss of hundreds of innocent lives.

"Words are powerless to describe the horror, revulsion and deep sadness all of us felt when seeing the shocking images from Beslan on our television screens. Taking hostages is always a profoundly wicked and inhuman act and it is never justified."

"That the victims on this occasion were children, their parents and teachers, innocently celebrating the start of a new school year, is utterly despicable," he added.

On behalf of all OSCE participating States, the Chairman-in-Office sent his deepest sympathy to President Vladimir Putin, the Russian government and the Russian people, and in particular to those who were injured and the families of the dead.

"We affirm our solidarity with the people of Russia, who have been subjected to a series of brutal terrorist attacks in recent weeks, and underline the resolve of the entire OSCE community to stand firm against terrorism in all its manifestations," Minister Passy said.