ASEAN strongly condemns downing of Flight MH17

BANDER SERI BEGAWAN (Xinhua) - ASEAN Member States have strongly condemned the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 in Eastern Ukraine in a statement issued to the press on Sunday.

In a statement on the tragic incident, ASEAN foreign ministers expressed shock at the tragic deaths of the 298 people of multiple nationalities on board the airline and called for a full, independent and transparent investigation into the catastrophe.

"We emphasize that investigations must not be hindered," said the statement. ASEAN Member States also expressed their  profound sorrow and condolences to the families and loved ones of those on board Flight MH17.