Flags at half-mast in recognition of tragedy in Asia

Flags at Confederation Building and all other provincial government buildings are being flown at half-mast in memory of the people who lost their lives as a result of the recent earthquakes and tsunamis in Asia.

Premier Danny Williams said, "On behalf of government and all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, I express our heartfelt condolences to the families and relatives who are grieving the loss of their loved ones. We empathize with their pain, and with those who are struggling with the devastation left behind by the disastrous events."

Flags will continue to be at half-mast until January 8 when there will be a national memorial held in Ottawa for the estimated 140,000 victims of the tragedy.

Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Office of the Premier (709) 729-3960, or 690-5500

2005 01 03 12:30 p.m.