Press Releases
Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs on the Crash of the Malaysian Airliner in Ukraine
1. I am deeply shocked by the crash of the Malaysian airliner over the eastern part of Ukraine and the tragic loss of many lives. I would like to express my deepest condolences to the victims and their families.
2. The causes of the crash need to be identified immediately. In this regard, Japan attaches much importance to the secure access to the site of the crash by the relevant parties and that they fully cooperate for that purpose. Japan is prepared to provide necessary cooperation.
3. If the Malaysian airliner was actually shot down, the international community needs to strongly condemn such a flagrant act.
4. The Government of Japan is currently trying to determine whether there were Japanese citizens on board through the Embassy of Japan in the Netherlands and is requesting provisions of relevant information through the Embassy of Japan in Ukraine.