[size=1.4em]“Anyone who gave such a weapon… any country which was inspiring and orchestrating the kind of activity we are now seeing in eastern Ukraine has a heavy responsibility, should feel a sense of shame.”
[size=1.4em]Mr Abbott expressed frustration at Russia’s ambassador in Canberra who was summoned to a meeting with Australia’s foreign minister and immediately blamed Ukraine for the attack.
[size=1.4em]“This is a test for Russia … there can be no excuses, no buck passing, no blame shifting,” he said.
[size=1.4em]“Russia’s whole standing in the world is at risk here."
[size=1.4em]Mr Abbott said Russian-backed rebels appeared to be responsible but he indicated that Russia or Russian arms were involved and Moscow was not immune from blame.
[size=1.4em]He said Australia will use its seat on the United Nations Security Council to push for an investigation that would have full access to the site, the black box, the debris and all individuals who might have been involved.
[size=1.4em]"The bullying of small countries by big ones, the trampling of justice and decency in the pursuit of national aggrandisement, and reckless indifference to human life should have no place in our world," he said.
[size=1.4em]“This is a grim day for our country and it’s a grim day for our world… We owe it to the families of the dead to find out exactly what has happened and exactly who is responsible.”
[size=1.4em]The flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur was due to connect with onward flights to Melbourne and Perth.
[size=1.4em]The government said at least 28 Australians were aboard – the nation’s third-worst civilian aviation toll after the deaths of 29 people in crashes in 1960 and 1950.
[size=1.4em]Australia’s parliament observed a minute of silence and flags were flown at half-mast.
[size=1.4em]The Australian victims reportedly included 27-year-old Melbourne University student Elaine Teoh, Sydney-based nun Sister Philomene Tiernan, and Albert and Marie Rizk, a couple who had been holidaying in Europe for a month.
[size=1.4em]An official list of names is yet to be released.
Post time 18-7-2014 03:45 PM
