Australia beams Turkish flag colors to show solidarity

By Jill Fraser

MELBOURNE (AA) - Buildings across the Australian city of Melbourne were lit up with splashes of red and white overnight in memory of the victims of the terror attack on Turkey’s main airport in Istanbul.

The building housing the state of Victoria's parliament, a library and an arts center house were streamed with the colors of the Turkish flag in memory of the 42 people who lost their lives and the hundreds injured during Tuesday's attack on Ataturk International Airport.

In a Facebook statement, State Premier Daniel Andrews said the decision to flood the buildings with light was a symbol of solidarity with the people of Turkey.

“Honoring those who died, sending love to those who grieve... Turkey: Victoria stands with you,” Andrews wrote.

“There are always two victims of terrorism... First, the innocent men, women and children caught in its immediate wrath. Second, the billions of decent people worldwide -- even as far away as Australia -- who may observe different faiths, and who may hoist different flags, but who are all loyal to the values of dignity, respect and peace," the state premier added.

"Our hearts go out to those who died in the airport in Istanbul, and the people they loved and held dear.”

Melbourne has a sizeable Turkish community.