Australian PM's gesture to Aborigines 'a stunt'

Aborigines greeted Australian Prime Minister John Howard's surprise plan to give constitutional recognition to the country's indigenous people with mixed views today, with many calling it a stunt ahead of elections.

Howard, who has been at loggerheads with indigenous leaders on many issues during his 11 years in power, made an abrupt about-face yesterday, admitting past mistakes and offering a new plan for reconciliation between black and white Australians.