Ahern signs condolence book for siege victims
The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern today visited the Russian Embassy in Dublin to sign the book of condolence for the victims of the Beslan tragedy.
Mr Ahern asked that, as a mark of respect, a minute’s silence should be heard at national sporting events this weekend.
He said: “The people of Ireland are horrified by the atrocity perpetrated against hundreds of defenceless children, parents and teachers in the town of Beslan.
“I condemn without reservation the callous actions of the hostage takers.”
The Russian Embassy said that it had filled 20 books of condolences with over 4,000 signatures from Irish people.
Ambassador Vladimir Rakhmanin said he has also received books of condolence and dozens of home-made cards from schools across the country.
He added: “The response to my county’s tragedy has been overwhelming in terms of the outpouring of sympathy, solidarity and support from the Irish people.”
Mr Ahern said he had written to the Russian President Vladimir Putin to express the condolences of the people of Ireland over the Beslan tragedy last week.
At least 326 hostages – half of them children – died in last Friday’s chaotic storming of a school in southern Russia after it was seized by rebels demanding Chechen independence.
The front railings of the Russian Embassy in Dublin’s Rathgar were decorated with floral wreaths and cuddly toys donated by Irish people.
