Chinese President Hu Jintao sent a message Wednesday to Russian President Vladimir Putin strongly condemning last week's "atrocious terrorist acts" in the hostage-taking crisis in southern Russia's North Ossetia.??

In the message, conveyed by Chinese Ambassador to Russia Liu Guchang, Hu also expressed his deep condolences over the killing of innocent adults and children in the tragedy and offered his sincere sympathies to relatives of the victims.

 

To show China's sympathy and support, the Chinese government is making available goods worth 10 million yuan (US$1.2 million) to assist those affected by the tragedy, he added.

 

Hu reiterated that China firmly supports Russia's efforts to maintain national unity and territorial integrity, and to protect people's life and property.

 

The president also expressed China's willingness to strengthen cooperation with Russia in the fight against terrorism, separatism and extremism to safeguard peace, safety and stability in the region and the world as a whole.

 

Hu said he believed that under the leadership of President Putin, the Russian people will overcome any obstacle to rejuvenate the nation and achieve prosperity.

 

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao also condemned Wednesday the hostage-taking of civilians and extended his support to the Russian government.

 

The premier said in a telegram to Russian Premier Mikhail Fradkov that the Chinese government strongly condemns this terrifying atrocity and persistently supports the efforts of the Russian government to maintain national security and defend justice and peace.

 

Wen also expressed his willingness to work with the Russian government to fight terrorism, separatism and extremism in order to maintain peace in the region and the world as a whole.

 

In the terrorist attack by some 30 gunmen on a Beslan school in North Ossetia from Wednesday to Friday, some 1,000 children and adults were taken hostage and over 350 people were killed.

 

(Xinhua News Agency September 9, 2004)