Chechen figures of art and culture resolutely condemn hostage-taking in Moscow

Chechen cultural and art figures "resolutely condemn the hostage-taking in Moscow," reads the statement, issued at the republican meeting. The text of the statement was delivered to RIA Novosti on Friday.

"Any form of violence against people deserves sever censure. Moreover, this is the capture of civilians, who came to a concert," the document says.

"Cultural and art figures of the republic, as well as all the Chechen people, sincerely sympathise with the hostages," the statement stresses.

The authors of the document "unanimously condemn this act of vandalism" and "hope for the better."