Message from the Governor-General to the President of the Russian Federation

6 September 2004

HE Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin
President
The Russian Federation

Your Excellency

On behalf of the people of Australia, I write to offer you my deepest condolences on the tragic loss of life caused by the cruel terrorist attack on a school in Beslan, North Ossetia. All Australians have been deeply shocked and horrified by this appalling act; above all, the inhuman targeting of children. My thoughts, and those of the Australian Government and people, are with the families of the victims, those who have been hospitalised, your Government and the people of Russia, at this very sad and difficult time.

Yours sincerely

(Michael Jeffery)