Newsline 16 November 2009: Australia's government apologizes to half a million people abused in orphanages. The relatively unknown Belgian Prime Minister Herman von Rompuy looks to become Europe's first president. The Dutch are tapped as the world's most tolerant people.

"Forgotten Australians" receive apology
Australian Prime Minster Kevin Rudd has formally apologised to the "forgotten Australians" - half a million children abused or neglected in orphanages between 1930 and 1970. Speaking at a ceremony in the capital Canberra, Mr Rudd said he was "sorry for the tragedy of childhoods lost" and hoped his apology would help heal the pain. Listen to some of the reactions to Prime Minister Rudd's speech.

 
Who is Herman von Rompuy?
After weeks of fevered speculation about who will be the new EU president, the decision is finally looming. European leaders will meet in Brussels on Thursday to make the final decision about who gets the top job. Until recently the Dutch Prime Minster was pulling ahead in the race. But now there's a new hot favourite  - and don't feel bad if you've never heard of him, neither have most other europeans. Listen to report by Vanessa Mock.

 
Dutch declared most tolerant people
The Netherlands has long been known as the home of liberalism and tolerance and now its people have been declared the least prejudiced in Europe. The Institute for Interdisciplinary Research on Conflict and Violence in Germany has published research showing the Dutch have the most open-minded attitudes towards minorities and religion. Listen to interview with Professor Andreas Zick and a comment from philosopher Tariq Ramadan.