N. Korean leader sends condolences to Putin over Russian concert hall shooting
People lay flowers and light candles standing next to the Crocus City Hall, on the western edge of Moscow, Russia, March 23. AP-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.
"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. (Yonhap)