FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 07, 2004

CONTACT: Stacey Farnen Bernards 202-225-3130

HOYER CONDEMNS BESLAN TERRORISTS

WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD), former Chair and Ranking Democrat of the Helsinki Commission, released the following statement condemning the terrorist violence occurring in Russia:

“I strongly condemn the cowardly use of violence against innocent woman and children at a Russian school by Chechen terrorists. 

“Terrorist violence will never achieve its political ends.  Americans, Russians, the vast majority of the world’s citizens, and the average Chechen condemn it and refuse to allow it to become a successful tool in solving political disputes.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the former hostages and their families.”  

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