Putin: 'Forgive us'Posted on 10/26/2002 2:42:08 PM PDT by Destro
PUTIN: 'SORRY FOR DEATHS'
Putin: 'Forgive us'
Russian President Vladimir Putin has asked forgiveness from the families of hostages killed during the siege in a Moscow theatre.
At least 90 theatre-goers died and more than 750 were freed when commandos stormed the theatre.
They had been seized three days earlier by Chechen guerrillas demanding an end to war in Chechnya.
"We have not been able to save all. Forgive us," Putin said in a television address.
'Vanquished'
Putin blamed the raid on international terrorism, which he called a "strong and dangerous, inhuman and cruel enemy".
"Nowhere in the world can people feel secure until it is vanquished," he said.
But it must be vanquished. And it will be vanquished."
Last Updated: 20:38 UK, Saturday October 26, 2002
A TV grab shows dead female hostage-takers inside a Moscow theater after Russian special forces stormed the building, October 26, 2002. Russian forces killed most of the Chechen guerrillas who had started to execute captive theatergoers, but some of the 700 hostages also died, officials said. (Pool via Reuters)
The body of a man thought to be a Chechen gunman lies at the entrance of a theater after it was stormed by special forces in Moscow, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2002. Russian special forces stormed the building before sunrise Saturday to end the crisis. More than 90 hostages dead, but some 750 others freed and dozens of the assailants killed. (AP Photo/Gazeta)
Russian special forces take a detained man out of the Moscow theatre where Chechen rebels were holding hundreds captive. An official said 67 hostages and 34 rebels were killed when troops stormed the building on October 26. REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin
A Special forces officer escorts an arrested Chechen rebel at the Moscow theater entrance, early Saturday, Oct. 26, 2002. Special forces stormed the theater where Chechen rebels were holding hundreds of hostages before dawn Saturday. More than 700 captives were liberated. Sixty-seven hostages died in the crisis along with many of the gunmen, a top official said. (AP Photo/ Dmitry Lovetsky
Chechen refugees watch Russian television footage showing a killed female captor after Russian special forces stormed a Moscow theater, in a refugee camp near Karabulak, Ingushetia, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2002. Gunfire rattled in the theater at dawn Saturday and Russian special forces pumped it full of sleeping gas before troops stormed the building, killing 42 Chechen rebels and freeing more than 700 captives in the third day of a hostage drama. Officials said 67 captives were killed. (AP Photo/Musa Sadulayev)
Russian special forces remove a gunman from a theater where Chechen guerrillas were holding hundreds captive in Moscow October 26, 2002. Russian forces stormed the theater on Saturday after the gunmen started killing their hostages, ending a three-day siege in a dawn operation in which scores died, a security official said. REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin
A special forces officer wearing a gas-mask is seen through a hole in a poster of the musical 'Nord-Ost', which was fastened on the theater seized by armed Chechen rebels in Moscow, early Saturday, Oct. 26, 2002. Special forces troops took control of a Moscow theater before sunrise Saturday where hundreds of hostages were being held by Chechen rebels, killing their leader and freeing most of the captives. Russian special forces used sleeping gas to take control of the scene, state-controlled ORT television reported. (AP Photo/Dmitry Lovetsky)
Members of the Russian police special forces shake hands, October 26, 2002, in front of the theater banner reading 'Nord-Ost', a popular musical played when Chechen 'suicide squad' stormed in two days ago and took 700 people hostage. A total of 34 Chechen rebels were killed and several others were taken captive when Russian security forces stormed a Moscow theater where 700 people had been held hostage, state security chief Nikolai Patrushev said. REUTERS/Radu Sigheti
Moscovites light candles for victims of the theater raid, during a religious service in Orthodox Pokrovsky Cathedral in Moscow, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2002. Special forces stormed the Moscow theater where Chechen rebels were holding hundreds of hostages before dawn Saturday. More than 700 captives were liberated, Sixty-seven hostages died in the crisis along with many of the hostage takers. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)
My only beef is with the Reuters captions (not your fault, for sure!).
They are not Chechen "rebels". They are Islamic terrorists.
All of the liberals who whine about the war in Chechnia are wanna-be-kommies. To perdition with them.
No peace with terrorists. No truce with the shadow.
Short answer: No.
Longer answer; Putin seems to be a man of integrity. I am not totally convinced of this, but it seems that Russia is on the track to freedom.
My hats off to them, and condolances to the hostage familes.
The religion of peace, cand take a hike.
Maybe we all need to remind the Media. And I question, WHY does the news media have a problem with Islamic terrorists. Same with this Muhammed guy.
Definitely! And our administration needs to vocally support Russia's bloody battle against islamofascist terrorists, just as we need to do for Israel in her battle against those monsters.
Pics are wonderful!
I agree with you, the rebirth of Orthodox Christianity in Russia is a wonderful and joyful thing to witness. The numbers are tripling each year since 1991.
I could not have said it better.
While we are at it we could give Putin some material support.
We have the best technology. We have the best warriors ever seen on this planet.
With our help, Putin could put paid to the islamofascists in his country.
There was to be no 'good' ending or resolution here. Could not be.
Yes, a tragic loss of innocent life. . .but a hastened closure to this, was their best and it would seem, only option.
The truth is, many lives were saved. . .
May America's leaders grow Russian Balls, when it comes to defeating islamic terror.
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