BANGKOK, July 21 — The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has condemned the shooting down of a Malaysian airliner over Ukraine that killed all 298 people on board.
“ASEAN Member States strongly condemn the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 in Eastern Ukraine on 17 July 2014. We express shock at the tragic deaths of the 298 people of multiple nationalities on board the airline,” according to a statement issued on Sunday by ASEAN Foreign Ministers on the tragic incident of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17.
It said flight MH17 was flying over non-restricted airspace, and following a flight path which had been declared safe by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
It was a flight route that is utilised by many international airlines plying the Asia-Europe route, said the statement.
Malaysia is among the 10 ASEAN member countries.
“ASEAN Member States underline that it is imperative that we find out precisely what happened to Flight MH17. We call for a full, independent and transparent investigation into the catastrophe. We emphasise that investigations must not be hindered,” said the ASIAN Foreign Ministers’ statement.
“ASEAN Member States hereby convey their profound sorrow and condolences to the families and loved ones of those on board Flight MH17,” it added.
