Soviets Condemn Hijacking, Urge Joint Action Against Terrorists

The Soviet government Saturday condemned the hijacking of a Pan American World Airways jumbo jet in Pakistan and called for international action to prevent terrorism.

The official Tass news agency said it was authorized to state that “the Soviet Union most resolutely condemns this act of terrorism and calls upon all states for effective cooperation so as to eradicate fully this dangerous phenomenon.”

“This should be done without delay,” the statement said. “A grave crime has been committed, which involved casualties among innocent people. There is no justification for such a crime by whatever motives those who perpetrated it could be guided.”

Although the Soviet government in the past has remained silent over acts of terrorism directed at Americans, it has indicated a willingness to participate in international action to combat terrorism since three Soviet diplomats were taken hostage in Beirut last autumn.