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Statement of the Chairman of the Permanent Council on hostage crisis in Moscow
VIENNA 31 October 2002
VIENNA, 31 October 2001 - The Portuguese Chairmanship of the OSCE has already expressed its vehement condemnation of the hostage-taking which took place in Moscow, on 23 October 2002. The Chairmanship reaffirmed on that occasion its strong solidarity with the Russian people and the Russian government, the object of this terrorist act.
Such acts of terror, affecting the innocent civilian population, can never be considered a legitimate means to pursue any political purposes. Extremism and fanaticism can only contribute to worsening the prospects for any political settlement of conflicts, which must prevail as the only method to address any national or international tensions.
The outcome of this terrorist act resulted in heavy loss of life that the Chairmanship-in-Office deeply regrets. We know we are reflecting the sentiment of this whole Organization in expressing our sincere condolences to the families of all innocent victims of this tragedy.
The strong commitment of this Organization to combating all violent political acts, in particular terrorist acts, needs to be reaffirmed on this occasion. Fighting this scourge, through all legitimate means, under the Charter of the United Nations and according to OSCE commitments, remains our collective responsibility.
Such acts of terror, affecting the innocent civilian population, can never be considered a legitimate means to pursue any political purposes. Extremism and fanaticism can only contribute to worsening the prospects for any political settlement of conflicts, which must prevail as the only method to address any national or international tensions.
The outcome of this terrorist act resulted in heavy loss of life that the Chairmanship-in-Office deeply regrets. We know we are reflecting the sentiment of this whole Organization in expressing our sincere condolences to the families of all innocent victims of this tragedy.
The strong commitment of this Organization to combating all violent political acts, in particular terrorist acts, needs to be reaffirmed on this occasion. Fighting this scourge, through all legitimate means, under the Charter of the United Nations and according to OSCE commitments, remains our collective responsibility.