SECRETARY-GENERAL EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER EVENTS UNFOLDING

AT MOSCOW THEATRE, URGES IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF HOSTAGES

This is the text of a statement today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

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 preconditions.  No cause can justify the use of force against innocent civilians.

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