WASHINGTON, Sept 12 (AFP) - George W. Bush paid a surprise visit to the Russian embassy here to pay homage to victims of the school hostage crisis in Beslan, which he called "beyond comprehension."
Bush and his wife Laura Bush signed a book of condolences, in a brief visit that was broadcast live across Russia.
"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," Bush said.
"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."
Some 339 hostages, half of them children, died in the worst ever hostage taking, and the second deadliest attack since September 11, 2001 strikes on the United States.
"The atrocities that took place in the school were beyond comprehension," Bush said.
"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.
Speaking to Ambassador Yury Ushakov, Bush said: "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."
Bush had earlier met Ushakov for private talks, although few details emerged of that meeting.
"We had a very good discussion about the need for us to continue working together," Bush said of his introduction to the Russian ambassador.
Meanwhile Ushakov said Bush expressed "support for Putin's course in battling terrorism," RIA Novosti news agency reported, although such comments were neither aired on Russian television nor part of an official transcript released by the White House.