Monument to Beslan terror act victims unveiled in Moscow

The Monument to the people killed in the Beslan terrorist attack in 2004 was unveiled today in the downtown of Moscow. The monument was designed by the President of the Russian Academy of Arts Zurab Tsereteli. His project was selected from more than ten anonymous proposals.

The 5m tall bronze monument mounted on a one-meter granite base symbolizes the killed children souls that are taken to heaven by angels. On the base of the monument there are scattered children's toys - a tricycle, a Pinocchio doll, a toy train, a teddy bear, and a commemorative plaque with the inscription "In memory of the Beslan tragedy victims. North Ossetia, Beslan, school No.1. 1-3 September 2004. 1127 hostages, 334 died, 186 of them were kids. By Zurab Tsereteli".

Today's inauguration was attended by hundreds people, among them the Beslan school hostages and their relatives.

"Authorities should make every effort to prevent tragedies like this in the future", President of the Republic of North Ossetia (Alania), Taimuraz Mamsurov, who initiated the monument project, said at the inaugural ceremony.

"What's the point to live on Earth if we can not protect our kids? There is no sense to live on Earth if it is not for the sake of children", President of North Ossetia said, being quoted by "Interfax" agency.