Menu
02/09/2004
32 hostages released in Russia school seige
Thirty-two women and children have been released by terrorists who took over a school in North Ossetia on Wednesday morning.
The 17 armed men and women who took over the school in Beslan are still holding over 300 people as hostage. Reuters reported yesterday that eight civilians have been killed by the terrorist group.
It is understood that the terrorists have demanded the withdrawal of Russian troops from Chechnya in order to resolve the crisis.
Russian authorities, who have a history of sending in troops to resolve hostage situations, have said that force will not be used. Security services said there was no question of using force while negotiations were ongoing.
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw spoke to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov today to once again offer the country Britain's support and solidarity.
Mr Straw said: "I said to Mr Lavrov that of course they have good forces in the Russian Federation, but it went without saying that we would do everything we could. As Foreign Minister Lavrov said and as I heard on the Radio that President Putin said, they are absolutely clear that the safety of those children is the paramount concern and I'm sure they will follow that."
In a speech on Britain's relationship with the UN at Chatham House today, Jack Straw said that the incident showed how terrorists would "attack anyone, anywhere, without a shred of human compassion".
"The trauma for those poor innocent children is unspeakable, the anxiety for their parents unimaginable. Their suffering is our suffering," he added.
(gmcg/mb)
The 17 armed men and women who took over the school in Beslan are still holding over 300 people as hostage. Reuters reported yesterday that eight civilians have been killed by the terrorist group.
It is understood that the terrorists have demanded the withdrawal of Russian troops from Chechnya in order to resolve the crisis.
Russian authorities, who have a history of sending in troops to resolve hostage situations, have said that force will not be used. Security services said there was no question of using force while negotiations were ongoing.
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw spoke to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov today to once again offer the country Britain's support and solidarity.
Mr Straw said: "I said to Mr Lavrov that of course they have good forces in the Russian Federation, but it went without saying that we would do everything we could. As Foreign Minister Lavrov said and as I heard on the Radio that President Putin said, they are absolutely clear that the safety of those children is the paramount concern and I'm sure they will follow that."
In a speech on Britain's relationship with the UN at Chatham House today, Jack Straw said that the incident showed how terrorists would "attack anyone, anywhere, without a shred of human compassion".
"The trauma for those poor innocent children is unspeakable, the anxiety for their parents unimaginable. Their suffering is our suffering," he added.
(gmcg/mb)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 July 2008
Brown's Stance Praised By Litvinenko Widow
The widow of former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko has commended Prime Minister Gordon Brown for "standing firm" on his demand for the extradition of the main suspect in the assassination of the defector. Marina Litvinenko welcomed Mr Brown's continued "firm" calls for the extradition of Andrei Lugovoi, two years after Mr Litvinenko's poisoning.
Brown's Stance Praised By Litvinenko Widow
The widow of former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko has commended Prime Minister Gordon Brown for "standing firm" on his demand for the extradition of the main suspect in the assassination of the defector. Marina Litvinenko welcomed Mr Brown's continued "firm" calls for the extradition of Andrei Lugovoi, two years after Mr Litvinenko's poisoning.
23 July 2007
Russia critical of UK in Litvinenko row
Russia has criticised Britain's decision to expel four Russian diplomats in the row over the extradition of the main suspect in the Alexander Litvinenko murder, saying it was politically motivated.
Russia critical of UK in Litvinenko row
Russia has criticised Britain's decision to expel four Russian diplomats in the row over the extradition of the main suspect in the Alexander Litvinenko murder, saying it was politically motivated.
23 April 2007
Former Russian President Boris Yeltsin dies
Former Russian President Boris Yeltsin has died at the age of 76. The cause of death has not yet been released, although some reports have suggested that he suffered heart failure. Mr Yeltsin was known to have a history of heart trouble. Mr Yeltsin is known for helping lead Russia into democracy and a market economy.
Former Russian President Boris Yeltsin dies
Former Russian President Boris Yeltsin has died at the age of 76. The cause of death has not yet been released, although some reports have suggested that he suffered heart failure. Mr Yeltsin was known to have a history of heart trouble. Mr Yeltsin is known for helping lead Russia into democracy and a market economy.
01 December 2006
Mystery surrounds former Russian Prime Minister's illness
A former Russian acting Prime Minister Yegor Gaidar is being treated in hospital following what may be some form of poisoning. Mr Gaidar, who was premiere for a time under the Boris Yeltsin regime, fell ill during a visit to Dublin last week and was treated at a Dublin hospital before being moved to Russia.
Mystery surrounds former Russian Prime Minister's illness
A former Russian acting Prime Minister Yegor Gaidar is being treated in hospital following what may be some form of poisoning. Mr Gaidar, who was premiere for a time under the Boris Yeltsin regime, fell ill during a visit to Dublin last week and was treated at a Dublin hospital before being moved to Russia.
08 August 2005
Russia pays tribute to British submarine rescue team
The Russian defence minister has paid tribute to the British Navy team, which helped to rescue seven Russian sailors trapped in a mini submarine. Sergei Ivanov contacted British defence secretary John Reid to pay tribute to the British crew. In a telephone conversation, Mr Ivanov said: "I send my deepest thanks and appreciation.
Russia pays tribute to British submarine rescue team
The Russian defence minister has paid tribute to the British Navy team, which helped to rescue seven Russian sailors trapped in a mini submarine. Sergei Ivanov contacted British defence secretary John Reid to pay tribute to the British crew. In a telephone conversation, Mr Ivanov said: "I send my deepest thanks and appreciation.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A rather cloudy start with patchy mainly light rain, but becoming brighter through the day as the rain turns more showery, the best of any sunnier spells in the south. Maximum temperature 16 °C.Tonight:A few bright spells at first and any showers gradually dying out. Low cloud and mist or drizzle over northern coastal parts will spread south to most areas overnight. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
