Statement of G8 foreign ministers in the wake of hostage seizure in Moscow

The statement of foreign ministers of the Group of Eight countries in the wake of the seizure of hostages in Moscow declared that the hostage-taking in Moscow became another link in the chain of terrorist acts that rolled over the whole world.

According to the information provided to RIA Novosti in the Russian Foreign Ministry, G8 foreign ministers "most strongly denounced the seizure of hostages in Moscow having characterized it as "a terrorist act that did not have any justifications." The statement continued saying that "terrorism openly challenges the whole mankind. We would not permit such actions to stay without rebuff. We are united in the struggle against terrorism." The statement emphasized that "as was decided at the summit in Kananaskis, we will intensify our cooperation in the struggle against international terrorism and would expedite implementation of initiatives agreed upon by us." The document stressed: "We are prepared to cooperate with other states in strengthening their anti-terrorist potential." The document stated that the G8 countries intended to fight terrorism "resolutely and unconditionally in its every form and manifestation."