MH370: No plans to abandon search, says Australian DPM

PETALING JAYA: Australia has no plans to abandon the search for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 plane that disappeared almost a year ago, said Australian deputy prime minister Warren Truss.

According to The Australian news website, Truss' spokesman issued a statement Monday denying that Australia, China and Malaysia were discussing ending the search for the missing plane.

"Discussions are not under way to call off the search. Discussions are ongoing about the search," said the spokesman.

Truss' spokesman said that with more than 40% of the 60,000 sq km priority area searched so far, the Australian government remained cautiously optimistic about finding the aircraft.

"If, however, the plane is not found at the completion of the search, expected around May 2015, then discussions will be had between Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia and potentially others on the next steps," said the spokesman.

"But to be clear. We are not in discussions to call off the search."

Truss was quoted by Reuters news agency Monday as saying that the search could not go on forever and that discussions were being held with China and Malaysia about whether to call the search off within weeks.