MH17: Malaysia appreciates support of world leaders, says Najib

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia appreciates the support of world leaders who have expressed sympathy and extended their hands of friendship over the Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight MH17 tragedy in eastern Ukraine on Thursday.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak (pix) said since the crash occurred, he had spoken to Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko, who called for a thorough investigation into the MH17 incident.
Najib had also stressed to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the need for an international investigation team to be allowed into the crash site.
"President Putin stated that he would use his influence to allow the investigation team to begin work. He also hoped that the Ukraine President would agree to a temporary ceasefire," Najib said in his Facebook page today.
He said United States President Barack Obama also called him to extend condolences and they both agreed that an international investigation team be allowed into the crash site and that no one should tamper with any evidence, including the plane's black box.
Obama had also offered assistance to the setting up of an international probe team and reiterated his stand on the good relations between Malaysia and the United States, he noted.
Najib said the United Nations Security Council through its president, Eugène-Richard Gasana also called for a full and independent investigation based on the international civil aviation law.
"The Security Council has also impressed upon the parties involved to allow the investigation team to enter the crash site in order to identify the cause of the crash," he said.
Najib had also sent his condolences to Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott over the loss of lives of Australian passengers onboard the ill-fated airliner.
He said Malaysians should remain united and steadfast in facing this crisis and to continue to pray for the country to be spared from calamities.
MH17 which was carrying 283 passengers and 15 crew members, is believed to be shot down by separatists in the Donetsk region, eastern Ukraine, while on its way from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur. The Boeing 777-200ER left Amsterdam at 12.15pm (local time) on Thursday and was scheduled to reach the Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 6.10am (Malaysian time) on Friday. – Bernama