Statement on events in Ukraine 

Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson, Minister for Foreign Affairs, expresses condolences to the families and friends of the people on board the Malaysia Airlines plane that was shot down over Eastern Ukraine. 

The Minister says that it is horrendous that a passenger plane has been shot down with advanced anti-aircraft weapons and expresses his strong condemnation of these actions.

He says it is urgent that an objective international investigation is initated immediately into the causes of the crash. It is a clear demand that investigators are allowed to collect facts and information that can establish who is responsible for these horrific actions. Rescue workers must also be allowed to do their job properly and with full respect for the victims.

The Minister says it is urgent that the international community joins forces to react to these appalling actions and to stop the conflict in Eastern Ukraine. He says that during his visit to Ukraine this week he witnessed first hand that the people of Eastern Ukraine want to live in peace with other regions of Ukraine and without intervention from foreign powers.