Chinese President Hu Jintao sent a message Wednesday to Russian
President Vladimir Putin strongly condemning last week's "atrocious
terrorist acts" in the hostage-taking crisis in southern Russia's
North Ossetia.
In the message, conveyed by Chinese Ambassador to Russia Liu
Guchang, Hu also expressed his deep condolences over the killing of
innocent adults and children in the tragedy and offered his sincere
sympathies to relatives of the victims.
To show China's sympathy and support, the Chinese government is
making available goods worth 10 million yuan (US$1.2 million) to
assist those affected by the tragedy, he added.
Hu reiterated that China firmly supports Russia's efforts to
maintain national unity and territorial integrity, and to protect
people's life and property.
The president also expressed China's willingness to strengthen
cooperation with Russia in the fight against terrorism, separatism
and extremism to safeguard peace, safety and stability in the
region and the world as a whole.
Hu said he believed that under the leadership of President
Putin, the Russian people will overcome any obstacle to rejuvenate
the nation and achieve prosperity.
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao also condemned Wednesday the
hostage-taking of civilians and extended his support to the Russian
government.
The premier said in a telegram to Russian Premier Mikhail
Fradkov that the Chinese government strongly condemns this
terrifying atrocity and persistently supports the efforts of the
Russian government to maintain national security and defend justice
and peace.
Wen also expressed his willingness to work with the Russian
government to fight terrorism, separatism and extremism in order to
maintain peace in the region and the world as a whole.
In the terrorist attack by some 30 gunmen on a Beslan school in
North Ossetia from Wednesday to Friday, some 1,000 children and
adults were taken hostage and over 350 people were killed.
(Xinhua News Agency September 9, 2004)