Russia lauds Pak handling of Mosque operation
Moscow, July 14: Russia has praised the handling of Red Mosque siege by Pakistan government and expressed the hope that political and religious groups in the South Asian country would unite in their efforts to fight against terrorism.
''We expect Pakistan's political and religious leaders to display solidarity in the face of the challenge issued by terrorists,'' official spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry Mikhail Kamynin said in a statement.
Kamynin said Russia strongly condemned terror in all forms and practices, adding that the use of troops against Islamic militants at the Red Mosque was a forced measure, designed to save innocent lives.
''According to the official statement of the representatives of the Pakistan government, the operation by the troops was a forced measure against the terrorists held up in the mosque, who made innocent people as their hostages,'' the statement said.
''The action by the troops followed a long negotiations during which the terrorists advanced unacceptable demands to the government,'' it noted.
''Russia resolutely condemns all forms and methods of terror however the inspirers and organisers tried to justify these crimes. The cynical game based on the feelings of the religious believers and also the use of the religious places as the objects of terror pose special threats,'' the statement added.
UNI
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