N. Korean leader sends condolences to Putin over Russian concert hall shooting
SEOUL, March 24 (Yonhap) — North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has sent a message of condolence to Russian President Vladimir Putin following a deadly shooting at a concert venue in Moscow, Pyongyang’s state media said Sunday.
Gunmen opened fire at the venue in the Russian capital Friday, leaving at least 133 dead, with the Islamic State group claiming responsibility.
Kim “expressed deep condolences and sympathy” to Putin and to the bereaved families and victims over the attack, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.
In this Russian Emergencies Ministry photo released by EPA on March 23, 2024, rescue workers clear the rubble and extinguish fires in the hall of the Crocus City Hall concert venue following a shooting attack in Moscow. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
“The message said that consistent is the stand of the DPRK government opposing all sorts of terrorism and nothing can justify the heinous terrorism threatening human life,” the KCNA said in an English-language report, referring to North Korea by its official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
“It sincerely hoped that the Russian government and the strong Russian people would eradicate the aftermath of terrorist attack as soon as possible and stability would be brought to the bereaved families and victims,” the KCNA said of Kim’s message.
South Korea’s foreign ministry also offered condolences Saturday.
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