The theatre cannot be stormed, as there are hundreds of hostages says deputy of the State Duma and member of the Security Committee of the State Duma Valery Ostanin. According to Ostanin, a careful "jeweller's operation" is required here, as the lives of many people now depend on the professionalism of the security services.

According to Ostanin, the seizure of hundreds of hostages in Moscow is a "direct challenge" to all the security, interior and military structures in Russia, which is a direct "consequence of the failure of the anti-terrorist operation in Chechnya."

Ostanin is a former officer in the department for the interior. Ostanin worked his way up from inspector of the regional interior department to head of interior at Altai Territory. In 1990-92 he was head of the interior department in the fight with organized crime in Altai Territory.

Based on RBC reports.

See also:
Rosbalt, October 24, 2002, 15:22.YABLOKO calls on journalistic discretion

Reuters.Chechen Rebels Hold Hundreds in Theatre, One Dead. October 24, 2002

The Moscow Times. October 24, 2002. Armed Chechens Seize Moscow Theatre