EU reaction: The Dutch EU presidency has withdrawn an implied criticism of Russia's handling of the siege after Moscow described comments by its foreign minister, Mr Bernard Bot, as "insolent, odious and deeply offensive".
Mr Bot said in an EU presidency statement on Friday night that all countries in the world need to work together to prevent such tragedies. "But we also would like to know from the Russian authorities how this tragedy could have happened," he added.
The statement was removed from the presidency's website on Saturday morning after the Russian authorities called in the Dutch ambassador in Moscow for an explanation.
Mr Bot said later that his remarks had been misunderstood, and that he had not intended to criticise Moscow or to suggest that he ought to have been better informed.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen, declined to criticise Mr Bot, but distanced himself from any criticism of the Russian authorities.
"Clearly, what happened was unplanned. Something happened that required a responseI don't think anyone should rush to judgement. The primary responsibility lies with the terrorists," Mr Cowen said.
The Commission President, Mr Romano Prodi, defended Mr Bot yesterday, arguing that it was reasonable for the EU to make a "friendly" request to Russia for more information.
A multi-denominational church service in Galway on Saturday for the victims of the Beslan tragedy attracted hundreds of people, including many Russian immigrants, reports John Fallon.
The Church of Ireland rector of Galway, Rev Patrick Towers, hosted the event to express solidarity with the people of Beslan.