Prime Minister John Howard has offered his deepest sympathies to Australians commemorating the first anniversary of the Bali restaurant bombings.
"On behalf of the Australian Government and people, I offer again my deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, and to those who were injured in the bomb blasts in Bali on 1 October 2005," Mr Howard said in a statement.
Twenty people were killed when three suicide bombers detonated bombs that ripped apart restaurants in Kuta and Jimbaran Bay a year ago today.
"Today we will pause to remember with sadness, the Australians who lost their lives in these bombings, as well as the Australians who were maimed and injured," Mr Howard said.
His comments come after an Australian who was seriously injured in the blast called on his countrymen to continue travelling and not let the terrorists win.
Farshal Hambali, who spent more than two months in Royal Darwin Hospital after the blasts, urged Australian holidaymakers to return to the island.
Asked if he thought Australians were allowing themselves to be beaten by terrorists by shying away from Bali, Hambali said, "That's why I'm trying to say to everyone, to say to the world, come on we cannot let the terrorists beat us".
Mr Howard said it was not just Australians killed and injured who would be remembered today.
"The citizens of Indonesia and other nations who lost their lives or were injured in the bombings will also be in our thoughts today.
"We will also remember the way in which Australians and Indonesians alike, together with the citizens of other countries affected by the blasts, rallied in support of the victims and their loved ones.
"Today we will also reflect on the courage and strength the Australian people demonstrated in the face of the tragedy.
"These qualities, and our ability to pull together under difficult circumstances, irrespective of race, religion, or background have become an integral part of our national character."
source : the age news
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