European Union leaders have described the Moscow hostage crisis as a "cowardly act of terrorism".
In a statement this morning, the 15 EU leaders said: "The European Council is appalled and shocked by the ongoing hostage-taking.
"Taking innocent civilian people hostage is a cowardly and criminal act of terrorism, which can not be defended or justified for any cause," it said.
The statement said the European Council fully supports the Russian government's attempts to solve the crisis.
The EU leaders, gathered for a summit on the bloc's eastwards enlargement, vowed to further develop ties with Russia at a November 11th bilateral summit in Copenhagen.
"The European Council is ready to further develop its strategic partnership with the Russian Federation, also in the fight against terrorism. We look forward to taking important decisions to this effect at the coming Russia-EU summit in Copenhagen", the statement said.
AFP
