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Flags fly to mark apology

From correspondents in London

12 February 2008 - THE Australian High Commission in London will mark federal parliament's formal apology to the stolen generations by flying the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islands flags on Wednesday.

The move will correspond with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd apologising in the House of Representatives to indigenous Australians who suffered past injustices.

The exact wording is expected to be revealed after 5pm (AEDT) Tuesday, just hours before Prime Minister Kevin Rudd gets to his feet in the House of Representatives on Wednesday to deliver the long-awaited apology - which will be the first item of business for the new parliament.

Along Commonwealth Avenue and Kings Avenue in Canberra the Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags will be raised as part of the apology proceedings.

The European Network for Indigenous Australian Rights (ENIAR), which raises awareness of indigenous issues, welcomed the apology, describing it as an exciting turning point in Australian history.

ENIAR London co-ordinator Gill Watson said she hoped as many Australians living in London as possible could watch the apology live via podcast from 10pm local time Tuesday (9am AEDT Wednesday) at www.aph.gov.au.

"It is important to remember how far-reaching the practice of stealing indigenous children was," she said.

"Indigenous children were even taken back to the UK, where they still live today, some leading troubled lives with no sense of belonging; some may not know they are indigenous Australian."

Source: news.com

Further information: stolen generations issues page - includes news index and external links

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