CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE STATEMENT ON MALAYSIA AIRLINES FLIGHT MH17 TRAGEDY
WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a Senior Member of the House Homeland Security Committee, released the following statement about reports that a passenger plane has been shot down in the area near the Ukraine-Russia border:
“I am shocked by the downing of Malaysian Airlines Flight 17 and I offer my deep condolences to all those who lost loved ones on board. This much is clear – this airliner was shot down and the evidence seems to show that the plane was shot down by Russian separatists supported by the Russian government. These separatists must immediately leave the crash plane sight and yield this area to an international independent team of investigators. They must cease and desist from soiling, tainting, destroying and taking away vital criminal evidence. It is critical that there be an expedited, full, credible, and unimpeded international investigation as quickly as possible. I urge Russia, the pro-Russian separatists to admit to the facts of this heinous incident and provide all information to the investigators. Additionally there must be an immediate cease-fire and any continued war engagement by the Russian separatist should bring immediate response by Ukraine’s allies. The most important aspect of the investigation should be the respectful recovering of the remains of the loved ones.
“The role of international organizations – such as the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in Ukraine – may be particularly relevant for this effort, and the United States should be in touch with affected nations and our partners in these organizations in the coming days to determine the best path forward. The United States remains prepared to contribute immediate assistance to any international investigation, including through resources provided by the NTSB and the FBI.
“Evidence shows that this incident occurred in the context of a crisis in Ukraine that is fueled by Russian support for the separatists, including through arms, materiel, and training. This incident only highlights the urgency with which the United States needs to continue to urge Russia to immediately take concrete steps to de-escalate the situation in Ukraine and to support a sustainable cease-fire and path toward peace that the Ukrainian government has consistently put forward.
“An additional note of this tragedy was the loss of infants, women and children and a major nucleus of AIDS researchers headed to the International AIDS Conference. No one knows how much lifesaving information has been lost. Further the huge loss of the citizens of the Netherlands must be devastating and the world acknowledges how deeply sad this is.
“Finally, the strongest sanctions must be placed on Russia and President Putin. A cease fire must start right now and the separatist must admit failure and defeat so that the Ukraine government can govern all of Ukraine and the world should stand collectively in condemning this horrible intrusion into the peaceful use of international skies. As a member of the House Homeland Security Committee I will seek congressional hearings on this aviation terrorist act.”
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