USA Today reports that President Bush made an unexpected visit to the Russian Embassy on Sunday and expressed our condolence to the victims of the school hostage seizure.
"The atrocities that took place in the school were beyond comprehension," the president told reporters after writing a one-page note in the book. According to USA Today, President Bush told reporters "I'm here to express my country's heartfelt sympathies for the victims and the families who suffered at the hands of the evil terrorists."
The White House posted this transcripts of the Presidents remarks at the Russian Embassy:
THE PRESIDENT: Mr. Ambassador, thank you for receiving Laura and me. I'm here to express my country's heart-felt sympathies for the victims and the families who suffered at the hands of the evil terrorists. The United States stands side-by-side with Russia as we fight off terrorism, as we stand shoulder-to-shoulder to make the world a more peaceful place and a free place.Thank you President Bush!The atrocities that took place in the school were beyond comprehension. Many in America, and I know many in Russia, simply cannot conceive the hearts of a person that would mow down innocent children. And the killers, once again, reminded us -- remind us of the duties we have as free people to work in concert, to work in unity, to make this world a better place.
And so Mr. Ambassador, I'm honored. Please pass on my very best wishes to President Vladimir Putin, a man who I admire. I talked with Vladimir right after the incident. We had a very good discussion about the need for us to continue to work together. I pledged our government would continue to work with the Russian government and the Russian people.
And may God bless the people of Russia and may God bless those who suffer. Thank you all very much.
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