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”This is an act of terror. This is grief. This is a tragedy.“

January 25, 2011, Moscow

Dmitry Medvedev answered journalists’ questions about the tragedy at Domodedovo Airport.

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President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev: Considering the location and other indirect indications, this was a well-planned terrorist attack aimed at killing as many people as possible. Currently medical personnel are treating those in need; there is a large number of injured. 

All instructions have been issued, we have an algorithm for this kind of emergency effort in our country because we know firsthand what terrorism is. We have introduced special security measures at virtually all transport hubs. Everyone has been affected by these measures because security demands very careful inspection of luggage, but it is a forced measure, and sometimes it is crucial, simply vitally important.

Our legislation was amended following the events that happened some time ago, when terrorist attacks were committed on airplanes departing from various airports, including Domodedovo Airport. It became much tougher, but unfortunately – and that is our biggest problem – we do not always enforce even the most important legislation. I therefore instructed the Prosecutor General to investigate the enforcement of these laws at Domodedovo Airport. The airport is good, everyone recognises that, it is new and modern. But what has happened shows that there were clearly breaches in security, and everyone who makes decisions here, including the airport management, will answer for this. 

This is an act of terror. This is grief. This is a tragedy. I hope that law enforcement agencies will be able to quickly reconstruct the course of events and conduct an investigation. 

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January 25, 2011, Moscow