Canadian Prime Minister Paul. Martin issued a statement Friday, condemning hostage-takers firing on fleeing children in North Ossetia in southern Russia.

"Canadians are outraged by reports of the barbaric acts of terrorism today in North Ossetia and by the unbelievable cruelty of hostage-takers firing on fleeing children," Martin said.

In the statement, Martin extended deepest condolences and sympathies on behalf of all Canadians to the many families victimized by these terrible acts.

"Today, as Russians and the international community are horrified by these events, I also want to express Canada's steadfast solidarity and continuing cooperation in the global struggle against terrorism," he added.

Source: Xinhua