Irish people have an opportunity to express solidarity with the people of Russia as a book of condolences for the victims of the Beslan school siege opened in the Russian embassy at noon today.
The book of condolences can be signed until 5.00 p.m. today and from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. tomorrow.
The Russian Embassy is at 186 Orwell Road, Rathgar, Dublin 14.
A spokeswoman said dozens of people have already called to the embassy with cards, flowers and toys. "People have been phoning and e-mailing us these past few days expressing their horror, shock and grief at the atrocities," she said.
A book of condolences for the victims of the school siege has also been opened by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Michael Conaghan, at the Mansion House.
"We all prayed for those who were caught up in the school siege in Beslan," Cllr Conaghan said. "The horror of this shocking atrocity has touched us all and our thoughts and prayers are with those families whose lives have been devastated."
The book will be open until 6.00 p.m., and from 10.00 a.m. until 6.00 p.m tomorrow and Wednesday.
Flags are flying at half-mast across Russia at the start of national mourning for the 338 people killed when Chechen rebels seized a school in Beslan, north Ossetia, last week.