[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 106 (Thursday, September 9, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1582]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CONDEMNING THE TERRORIST ATTACK IN THE CITY OF BESLAN, RUSSIA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 9, 2004

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, the American people were struck 
with dismay upon hearing that on September 1st, 2004, terrorists seized 
School No. 1 in the city of Beslan, North Ossetia, Russia and held over 
1,000 children, teachers, parents, and school employees hostage.
  After 53 hours of unspeakable horror, we saw on TV when the hostage-
takers began firing on hostages who were attempting to flee and set off 
explosions in the compound, and when Russian security forces stormed 
the school compound.
  Tragically, as of September 7, 2004, the official death toll stood at 
394, plus the 30 terrorists: 186 children are missing. The North 
Ossetian health ministry said 156 of the dead were children. More than 
700 people needed medical help after the crisis. The regional health 
ministry said 411 remained hospitalized, 214 of them children.
  There is absolutely no justification for such acts, which do not 
represent the will of the average Chechen, who wants the carnage in the 
Caucasus to cease.
  Mr. Speaker, it is the nature of terrorism that every time one thinks 
there is a limit to the depths to which terrorists can sink, they 
contrive even more inhumane atrocities. I am particularly repulsed at 
the use of children as hostages and the subsequent death of many of 
them.
  Mr. Speaker, I condemn, in the strongest terms, this and previous 
terrorist attacks on innocent citizens of the Russian Federation, and 
stand in solidarity with the government and people of Russia in 
combating the forces of international terrorism.
  As memorial services are underway in the city of Beslan and elsewhere 
in Russia, the people of the United States stand with the people of 
Russia, and send them their prayers. Also, on behalf of the United 
States House of Representatives, allow me to offer our sincerest 
condolences to the victims of the attack and to their relatives.