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Malaysian ChargÃ© d'affaires to Azerbaijan: We want a detailed and objective investigation of plane crash - INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW '>

19 July 2014 11:27 (UTC +04:00)

Baku. Rufat Ahmadzadeh – APA. Malaysian Chargé d'affaires to Azerbaijan Harris Bin Alwi’s interview with APA

- What is known at this time about the Boeing-777 crashed in Ukraine?

- Prior to our interview, I once again watched news. 298 people from ten countries reportedly died. Four passengers' nationalities have not yet been verified. We are very shocked by the downing of the airliner, but Malaysia will do its best in this regard. I have no doubt that the issue of compensation to families of plane crash victims will be solved. We want a detailed and objective investigation of the disaster. We praise the sensitivity shown by world community and officials of the largest countries and their proposals to assist in this issue. We have already sent our experts to Ukraine. We will do our best in this regard.

- Such a question arises – why Malaysian Airlines implemented the flight over the conflict zone?

- The flight route was approved by relevant European organizations and International Civil Aviation Organization. Neither the Malaysian government nor international organizations have assumed that this region was so dangerous for civil aviation. Malaysian Airlines has already announced a new route of its flights over the south of Turkey.

- There are various suppositions on the disaster. Russia blames Ukraine for the disaster and Ukraine - in its turn, Russia and Russian-baked separatists. How can these accusations and suppositions affect the Malaysian investigation?

- There were certain political disputes in the region before the crash and it is not pleasant that crisis and tension emerged after the accident. We would like all to demonstrate objective approach to this issue. However it is understandable that all have their own way and interests. I am sure that currently the main purpose of the Malaysian government is to direct the investigation of the tragedy to the right direction.

- Earlier, a Malaysian plane with 227 passengers on board was disappeared over the Indian Ocean in March, 2014. At present, this accident is topical. It also creates fear for certain people. How will Malaysia overcome this fear and risk?

- Either the earlier accident or the crash in Ukraine was beyond our opportunity and responsibility. If any state were on our place the essence of the problem would not change. Malaysian Airlines is one of the companies providing the highest level of service in the world. No accident was recorded due to the negligence of the company staff. Researches are being continued regarding the plane “disappeared” over the Indian Ocean and I think that will result soon.

- Does the embassy plan to hold a ceremony to commemorate the victims of the plane crash?

- First, I highly appreciate Azerbaijani people and officials’ sensitivity toward the tragedy. Some officials call or visit the embassy to express their condolences or to learn about the situation. We are grateful to each of them. Condolences were also offered at the state level. And it is also praiseworthy that the Azerbaijani media constantly focuses on the issue. We are waiting for news and instructions for our capital. The public will be informed if there is any news. For now, we don’t think to hold a commemorative event. A Memory Book will be opened in the Embassy and those who want to condole with the relatives of victims can write down their cordial words in the book.