October 18, 2002	Friday	Sha'aban 11, 1423

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DENPASAR (Indonesia), Oct 17: Relatives wept and flags hung limply at half mast as Australian Prime Minister John Howard vowed on Thursday to bring to justice those responsible for the Bali massacre.

In an emotion-charged sunset service on this resort island, Howard also pledged the support of the entire nation to friends and relatives of the victims of the bombings in which at least 186 people died and hundreds more were wounded.

The Australian foreign ministry said at least 119 Australians were now feared dead.

“I can say to my Australian countrymen and women that there are 19.5 million Australians who are trying, however inadequately, to feel for you and to support you at this time of unbearable grief and pain,” Howard told the gathering of almost 200 grieving relatives and friends.

While Australia had been changed by the bomb blasts its spirit would never be broken, he said. The “foul deeds” of last Saturday night could never be understood and “they can never be excused”.—AFP