In progress at UNHQ

SG/SM/9462

SECRETARY-GENERAL CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF CHILDREN HELD HOSTAGE IN RUSSIAN FEDERATION

01/09/2004
Press Release
SG/SM/9462

Secretary-General calls for immediate release of children

 

held hostage in russian federation

 


The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:


The Secretary-General was appalled to learn that more than a hundred pupils are being held hostage at a secondary school in Beslan, Russian Federation.  The attack on the school has already resulted in deaths.  He calls for the immediate release of the children, their parents and teachers, and condemns, in the strongest terms, this criminal act directed against the most vulnerable members of society.


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For information media. Not an official record.