Ceremonies held to mark the opening of new Beslan schools

OFFICIALS held ceremonies to mark the opening of two new schools in the southern Russian town of Beslan yesterday to replace School No 1, devastated by last year’s horrific hostage seizure in which 331 adults and children died.

Russian television broadcasted footage showing rooms with new computers and furniture and teenagers some of whom were hostages in last year's raid wandering through the halls looking at maps and pictures.

State-run television said modern security technology had been installed in the schools, but gave no further details.