(Provisional Translation)

Message from Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation Concerning the Occupation of a Theater in Moscow

October 26, 2002

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi sent a message to President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation on October 26, 2002, via the Embassy of Japan in Russia, concerning the occupation of a theater in Moscow. An outline of the message is as follows. I have learned that with regard to the recent occupation of a theater in Moscow, Your Excellency's decisive response has succeeded in overcoming the terrorists, although at the cost of precious lives. I would like to express my deepest condolences to all the victims and their families. Terrorist acts such as this one, which involve ordinary citizens, can never be tolerated. Such acts threaten international peace and security and should be denounced. In the fight against international terrorism, I would like to continue to keep in close contact with Your Excellency.