KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia demands a full, independent and transparent international investigation into the tragic incident involving Malaysia Airlines (MAS) Flight MH17 which was believed to have been shot down in Ukraine Thursday.
Malaysian Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) Datuk Hussein Haniff said the investigation must involve relevant international authorities, including the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), a UN specialised agency.
“Malaysia is shocked and distraught by the downing of Malaysia Airlines (MAS) Flight MH17. Further facts remain unknown at this point, but the fact that the plane might have been shot has made the matter even more painful for us.
“Malaysia strongly condemns any such action in the strongest possible term as it would be a flagrant violation of international law and an outrage against human decency,” he said at the emergency meeting of the Security Council on Ukraine in New York Friday.
His text of speech was released here Saturday.
MAS, on July 18 had confirmed it received notification from Ukrainian ATC (air traffic control) that it had lost contact with flight MH17 at 1415 (GMT) at 30km from Tamak waypoint, approximately 50km from the Russia-Ukraine border.
Flight MH17 operated on a Boeing 777 departed Amsterdam at 12.15pm Thursday (Amsterdam local time) and was estimated to arrive at KL International Airport at 6.10 am (Malaysian local time) the next day.
The flight was carrying 283 passengers and 15 crew onboard.
Hussein said Malaysia also urged the Security Council to undertake the necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian and investigative personnel in the crash site in order for them to discharge their duties and responsibilities.
“We urge the parties in conflict in the area of crash site to provide their fullest cooperation which also entails facilitating the safe and unhindered access for the investigation and humanitarian personnel to carry out their mission including collecting the relevant data, evidence, remains and personal effects of the victims,” he said.
Hussein said there must be no interference at the crash site or movement of debris from the area, including the data recorder or black box.
“The integrity of the crash site must be preserved,” he said.
Malaysia also urged the Security Council to step up its role in facilitating a peaceful resolution to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine with a view to preventing the recurrence of the Flight MH17 tragic incident.
Hussein said the incident was a grave reminder of how escalation of dispute and threat to international peace and security could claim innocent lives in a most tragic and senseless manner.
He said Malaysia was deeply touched by the expressions of condolences, sympathy and support from across the world.
“At this difficult time, we wish to also express our profound sorrow and convey our deepest sympathy and condolences to the families and friends of those on board MH17,” he said. — BERNAMA