The president of the southern Russian republic of North Ossestia promised on Wednesday that his government will step down amid criticism for its handling of the Beslan school hostage siege, an AFP correspondent said.
”In two days time a decree will be signed over the resignation of the government,” president Alexander Dzasokhov told more than 1 000 angry demonstrators gathered outside the Parliament building in the republic’s capital.
”There is agreement with Moscow over the creation of a commission of inquiry over this terrorist act,” he added.
Dzasokhov has come under fire for his handling of the crisis, in particular for not fulfilling a demand of the hostage-takers to negotiate with them in person at the school.
The three-day siege ended with hundreds killed after security forces made an unplanned assault on the building where 1 200 hostages were being held.
The president made the announcement from the balcony of the building to the demonstrators, who had been demanding that he come out and speak throughout the afternoon.
But he did not make clear if the departure of the government will include his own resignation, something the protestors have vocally demanded. — Sapa-AFP