Australian PM Tony Abbott condoles with Sydney siege victims' families

Canberra, Feb 9: Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott on Monday expressed sympathies for the families of the Sydney siege victims in a motion of condolence in parliament.

The motion was attended by the family members of the deceased victims, Katrina Dawson and Tori Johnson, Xinhua reported.

On Dec 15, 2014, gunman Man Haron Monis held 18 people captive for 16 hours in Lindt Chocolat cafe in Sydney's central business district. Monis was killed when police stormed the cafe in the early hours of Dec 16, after he had shot Johnson in an execution-style killing.

Dawson died after being struck by fragments of bullets fired by police as they entered the building. Abbott described the tragedy as a "horrific experience" that would not be forgotten by the Australian people. "Every day must be a struggle. We grieve with you," he said, as he looked up to the public gallery.

Tony Abbott described the attack as a horrific experience

Abbott said measures would be implemented to ensure that such an act did not occur anywhere in the country again.

His comments came a day after siege victim Marcia Mikhael slammed the rescue operation, claiming that although police did the best they could in the situation, they were disorganised and not properly equipped.

"I know there are a lot of officers who risked their lives to be there and I thank them from the bottom of my heart. I just think that maybe the Army would've been better, more appropriate to be handling this situation," Mikhael said Sunday night.

IANS