ID :
336042
Tue, 07/22/2014 - 10:33
Auther :

Australia Pays Respects To Victims Of Malaysia Airlines MH17 Tragedy

MELBOURNE, July 22 (Bernama) -– The Malaysian High Commission in Canberra and other diplomatic posts in Australia have had a steady stream of people calling to sign the Condolence Book to honour the victims of the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 which was believed to have been shot down in Ukraine. Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove were among Australian leaders who conveyed their condolences to the people of Malaysia, especially to the families and friends of the victims. The State Premier of Victoria, Denis Napthine and Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews were joined by Malaysian Consul-General Dr Mohd Rameez Yahaya and several state members of parliament in opening a Condolence Book at the Victorian Parliament. Also present was Speaker of the Federal Parliament, Bronwyn Bishop from Canberra and the diplomatic corps here. Napthine said it was a sad time for the people in Australia, Malaysia, the Netherlands and several other countries who had lost loved ones in the tragedy. "Our hearts go out to all their families," he said. In a condolence letter to Mohd Rameez, the Governor of Victoria, Alex Chernov said: "The Malaysian people have shown great strength of spirit, endurance and compassion in the face of the missing Malaysia Airlines MH17". Malaysian High Commissioner in Canberra, Zainal Abidin Ahmad said many Malaysians, Australian officials and foreign diplomats had signed the Condolence Book since Monday. The attack on MH17 claimed the lives of 28 Australians and eight permanent residents, who were among the 298 passengers and crew on board the Boeing 777 aircraft. -- BERNAMA

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